Your brain can be benefited by taking care of your hearing loss. At least, that’s according to a new study from a University of Manchester study group. Over the period of about 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 individuals were evaluated by these analysts. The surprising outcome? Dementia can be slowed by up to 75% by managing your loss of hearing.
That is not a small number.
And yet, it’s not really that surprising. The significance of the finding, of course, is still relevant, this is an important statistical correlation between the battle against cognitive decline and the treatment of hearing loss. But the information we already have coordinates with these findings: treating your hearing loss is essential to slowing dementia as you get older.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
You can’t always believe the information provided in scientific studies because it can frequently be inconsistent. There are lots of unrelated causes for this. Because here’s the bottom line: this new research is yet another piece of evidence that suggests neglected hearing loss can lead to or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this indicate? It’s straightforward in some ways: you need to come see us immediately if you’ve noticed any loss of hearing. And you should start wearing that hearing aid as advised if you find out you require one.
When You Use Them Correctly, Hearing Aids Can Prevent Dementia
Sadly, not everybody falls right into the practice of wearing a prescribed pair of hearing aids. The usual reasons why include:
- It’s challenging to make out voices. Your brain doesn’t always immediately adapt to hearing voices. We can suggest things to do to help make this process go more smoothly, such as reading along with an audiobook.
- The hearing aid isn’t feeling as if it fits comfortably. If you are experiencing this issue, please get in touch with us. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- How hearing aids look concerns you. You’d be amazed at the range of styles we have available nowadays. Some styles are so discreet, you may not even see them.
- The way that the hearing aid is advertised to work, doesn’t seem to be the way it’s currently working. Many people need to have their settings adjusted, and calibration problems are definitely something that can be addressed by our hearing specialists.
Obviously wearing your hearing aids is crucial to your health and future cognitive faculties. We can help if you’re trying to cope with any of the above. At times the answer will take time or patience, but working with your hearing professional to ensure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process.
It’s more significant than ever to manage your hearing loss specifically taking into consideration the new findings. Be serious about the treatment because hearing aids are defending your hearing and your mental health.
What’s The Connection Between Hearing Aids And Dementia?
So what’s the real connection between loss of hearing and dementia? Social isolation is the leading theory but experts are not 100% sure. Some people, when faced with hearing loss, become less socially active. Sensory stimulation is the basis of another theory. Over time, if a person loses sensory stimulation, like hearing loss, the brain gets less activity which then results in cognitive decline.
Your hearing aid will help you hear better. Providing a natural safeguard for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why a link between the two shouldn’t be surprising and why hearing loss treatments can slow down dementia by up to 75%.
