Taking care of your hearing loss can be helpful for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study by a team of analysts from the University of Manchester. These analysts looked at a team of more than 2000 participants over a time period of nearly 2 decades (1996 to 2014). The striking results? Dementia can be delayed by up to 75% by managing your loss of hearing.
That is not a small figure.
But is it really that surprising? That’s not to detract from the weight of the finding, of course, this is an important statistical connection between the fight against dementia and the treatment of hearing loss. But it coordinates well with what we already know: as you get older, it’s essential to treat your loss of hearing if you want to delay cognitive decline.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
You can’t always believe the information presented in scientific studies because it can often be contradictory. There are countless unrelated causes for this. The main point here is: yet another piece of evidence, this research implies untreated loss of hearing can result in or worsen mental decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this indicate? It’s simple in several ways: you should set up an appointment with us immediately if you’ve noticed any loss of hearing. And you need to begin wearing that hearing aid as advised if you discover you need one.
When You Use Them Regularly, Hearing Aids Can Help Forestall Dementia
Sadly, when people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always instantly get into the habit of using them. The usual reasons why include:
- The way that the hearing aid is supposed 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.
- Peoples voices are difficult to understand. Your brain doesn’t always instantly adjust to hearing voices. There are things we can suggest, including reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this situation easier.
- You’re concerned about how hearing aids look. Today, we have lots of models available which might amaze you. Also, many hearing aid models are created to be very discreet.
- The hearing aid isn’t feeling as if it fits well. If you are suffering from this problem, please give us a call. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
Your future cognitive faculties and even your health in general are clearly impacted by wearing hearing aids. If you’re having difficulties with any of the above, come see us for an adjustment. Sometimes the answer will take time or patience, but consulting your hearing specialist to make sure your hearing aids work for you is a part of the process.
And taking into consideration these new findings, managing your hearing loss is more important than it ever has been. Hearing aids are safeguarding your hearing health and your mental health so it’s vital to take that treatment seriously.
What’s The Link Between Hearing Aids And Dementia?
So why are these two conditions hearing loss and dementia even associated in the first place? Social solitude is the prominent theory but experts are not 100% certain. When coping with hearing loss, some people seclude themselves socially. Sensory stimulation is the foundation of another theory. All senses trigger activity in the brain, and some scientists theorize that losing stimulation can cause cognitive decline over a period of time.
Your hearing aid will help you hear better. Supplying a natural defense for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why treating hearing loss can delay dementia by up to 75% percent and why it shouldn’t be unexpected that there is a connection between the two.