Your brain can be benefited by dealing with your hearing loss. At least, that’s according to a new study from a University of Manchester research group. These analysts considered a team of more than 2000 participants over a time period of almost 2 decades (1996 to 2014). The outstanding results? Dealing with your hearing loss can delay dementia by as much as 75%.
That’s a considerable number.
But is it actually that surprising? That’s not to detract from the importance of the finding, of course, this is an important statistical connection between the struggle against cognitive decline and the treatment of hearing loss. But it coordinates well with what we currently know: treating your hearing loss is essential to slowing dementia as you age.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
You can’t always rely on the information presented in scientific research because it can commonly be contradictory. The causes for that are lengthy, varied, and not really that pertinent to our discussion here. The bottom line is: this new study is yet further proof that implies neglected loss of hearing can lead to or exacerbate cognitive decline including dementia.
So what does this indicate for you? In certain ways, it’s quite basic: if you’ve noticed any potential signs of hearing loss, make an appointment with us soon. And you really should begin using that hearing aid as advised if you discover you require one.
Hearing Aids Assist in Preventing Dementia When You Use Them Correctly
Regrettably, not everyone falls right into the habit of wearing a prescribed pair of hearing aids. Some of the reasons why are:
- The way that the hearing aid is advertised to work, doesn’t appear 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.
- It’s challenging to make out voices. In some situations, it takes time for your brain to adjust to hearing voices again. We can recommend things to do to help make this process easier, such as reading along with a book recording.
- The way hearing aids look worries you. You’d be surprised at the range of designs we have available currently. In addition, many hearing aid styles are designed to be very unobtrusive.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel like it fits properly. If you are suffering from this problem, please contact us. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
Clearly wearing your hearing aids is important to your health and future cognitive abilities. We can help if you’re having difficulties with any of the above. At times the answer will take time or patience, but consulting your hearing specialist to ensure your hearing aids are working for you is a part of the process.
It’s more significant than ever to manage your loss of hearing specifically in the light of the new findings. Be serious about the treatment because hearing aids are safeguarding your hearing and your mental health.
What’s The Connection Between Dementia And Hearing Aids?
So why are these two conditions dementia and hearing loss even connected in the first place? Social solitude is the prominent theory but experts are not completely certain. When coping with hearing loss, some people hide themselves away socially. Yet another theory relates to sensory stimulation. All senses induce activity in the brain, and some experts theorize that losing stimulation can result in cognitive decline over time.
You hear better when you wear your hearing aid. Supplying a natural safeguard for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why treating hearing loss can slow dementia by as much as 75% percent and why it shouldn’t be unexpected that there is a link between the two.