Taking care of your hearing loss can be helpful for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study from a University of Manchester research team. Over the period of around 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 individuals were looked at by these scientists. The attention-getting results? Dementia can be delayed by as much as 75% by managing your hearing loss.
That is not a small number.
But is it actually that surprising? The importance of the finding, of course, is still relevant, that kind of statistical correlation between hearing loss treatment and the fight against dementia is important and shocking. But the insight we already have aligns well with these findings: as you get older, it’s crucial to treat your loss of hearing if you want to delay dementia.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
You can’t always rely on the content provided in scientific research because it can frequently be contradictory. The causes for that are lengthy, varied, and not very relevant to our discussion here. The bottom line is: this new study is yet further proof that implies untreated loss of hearing can lead to or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this mean? It’s simple in many ways: you need to come see us right away if you’ve noticed any loss of hearing. And you should begin using that hearing aid as directed if you discover you need one.
When You Wear Them Regularly, Hearing Aids Can Help Forestall Dementia
Unfortunately, when people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always instantly get into the habit of wearing them. Some of the reasons why are:
- It’s challenging to make out voices. Your brain doesn’t always instantly adjust to hearing voices. We can suggest things to do to help make this process easier, like reading along with a book recording.
- The hearing aid doesn’t seem like it works the way it should. Many people need to have their settings adjusted, and calibration problems are definitely something that can be addressed by our hearing specialists.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits very well. If you are suffering from this issue, please give us a call. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- How hearing aids look worries you. You’d be surprised at the variety of designs we have available now. Also, many hearing aid models are manufactured to be very unobtrusive.
Obviously wearing your hearing aids is crucial to your health and future mental faculties. We can help if you’re struggling with any of the above. Sometimes the solution will take time or patience, but working with your hearing specialist to ensure your hearing aids work for you is just part of the process.
And taking into consideration these new findings, treating your hearing loss is more significant than ever before. Hearing aids are defending your hearing health and your mental health so it’s vital to be serious about treatment.
Dementia And Hearing Aids, What’s The Connection?, What’s The Relationship?
So why are these two problems dementia and loss of hearing even linked in the first place? Social solitude is the prominent theory but experts are not 100% sure. Some people, when faced with loss of hearing, become less socially involved. Sensory stimulation is the foundation of another theory. Over the years, if a person loses sensory stimulation, such as hearing loss, the brain gets less activity which then results in mental decline.
Your hearing aid allows you to hear better. Offering a natural defense for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why a connection between the two shouldn’t be surprising and why hearing loss treatments can slow down dementia by up to 75%.
