Your brain can be benefited by treating your hearing loss. At least, that’s according to a new study by a group of researchers out of the University of Manchester. Over the period of about 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 men and women were studied by these investigators. The striking results? Dementia can be slowed by as much as 75% by treating loss of hearing.
That’s a significant figure.
But is it really that surprising? The importance of the finding, of course, is still relevant, that kind of statistical connection between hearing loss treatment and the battle against dementia is important and shocking. But the information we already have coordinates with these findings: as you get older, it’s essential to treat your loss of hearing if you want to delay dementia.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
You can’t always trust the content provided in scientific studies because it can commonly be inconsistent. There are countless unrelated causes for this. Because here’s the main point: yet another piece of evidence, this research reveals untreated loss of hearing can lead to or exacerbate mental decline including dementia.
So what does this mean for you? It’s simple in several ways: if you’ve been noticing any possible indications of hearing loss, schedule an appointment with us as soon as you can. And, if you need a hearing aid, you should absolutely begin using that hearing aid as directed.
When You Use Them Regularly, Hearing Aids Can Help Counter Dementia
Regrettably, when most people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always immediately get into the habit of wearing them. The usual reasons why include:
- You’re concerned about how hearing aids look. Today, we have lots of models available which may amaze you. Some styles are so discreet, you might not even see them.
- 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.
- It’s hard to understand voices. Your brain doesn’t always immediately adjust to hearing voices. We can recommend things to do to help make this endeavor easier, like reading along with a book recording.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits properly. If you are experiencing this problem, please get in touch with us. We can help make it fit better.
Your future mental abilities and even your health in general are clearly affected by wearing hearing aids. We can help if you’re trying to cope with any of the above. Working with your hearing professional to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it requires time and patience.
It’s more significant than ever to manage your hearing loss especially in the light of the new findings. Hearing aids are safeguarding your hearing health and your mental health so it’s important to be serious about treatment.
Hearing Aids And Dementia, What’s The Link?
So why are these two conditions dementia and hearing loss even linked in the first place? Analysts themselves aren’t exactly certain, but some theories are related to social solitude. When coping with hearing loss, some people isolate themselves socially. Another theory has to do with sensory stimulation. All senses trigger activity in the brain, and some scientists theorize that the loss of stimulation can lead to cognitive decline over time.
You hear better with a hearing aid. Delivering 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.