Your brain can be helped by dealing with your loss of hearing. At least, that’s according to a new study from a University of Manchester study team. Over the period of approximately 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 people were looked at by these researchers. The unexpected results? Dementia can be delayed by as much as 75% by managing your hearing loss.
That’s a considerable number.
But is it actually that surprising? The significance of the finding, of course, is still useful, that sort of statistical relationship between hearing loss treatment and the battle against dementia is important and stunning. But the insight we already have coordinates with these findings: treating your hearing loss is vital to slowing dementia as you get older.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
You can’t always trust the information presented in scientific research because it can in many cases be inconsistent. There are many unrelated reasons for this. Because here’s the bottom line: yet another piece of evidence, this research indicates untreated hearing loss can lead to or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this mean? It’s straightforward in several ways: you need to set up an appointment with us right away if you’ve observed any hearing loss. And you need to start using that hearing aid as advised if you find out you need one.
When You Use Them Correctly, Hearing Aids Can Prevent Dementia
Unfortunately, when most people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always immediately get into the habit of using them. Some of the reasons why are:
- The hearing aid doesn’t seem like it works as advertised. 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 isn’t feeling as if it fits comfortably. If you are experiencing this problem, please give us a call. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- You’re concerned about how hearing aids appear. You’d be surprised at the variety of designs we have available currently. Plus, many hearing aid models are created to be very discreet.
- Voices are difficult to understand. In many situations, it takes time for your brain to adjust to hearing voices again. There are some things we can suggest, like reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this endeavor easier.
Obviously wearing your hearing aids is important to your health and future cognitive faculties. We can help if you’re having difficulties with any of the above. Consulting your hearing specialist to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it demands time and patience.
And taking into consideration these new findings, managing your hearing loss is more important than it ever has been. Be serious about the treatment because hearing aids are safeguarding your hearing and your mental health.
What’s The Link Between Hearing Aids And Dementia?
So why are these two problems loss of hearing and dementia even connected in the first place? Specialists themselves aren’t exactly certain, but some theories are related to social solitude. 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, such as hearing loss, the brain gets less activity which then leads to cognitive decline.
You hear better when you wear your hearing aid. And that can help keep your brain active, supplying a more powerful natural defense against dementia and cognitive decline. That’s why a link between the two should not be surprising and why hearing loss treatments can slow down dementia by as much as 75%.