Treating your hearing loss can be good for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study by a team of researchers out of the University of Manchester. Over the period of about 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 individuals were examined by these analysts. The outstanding conclusions? Dementia can be slowed by as much as 75% by managing your loss of hearing.
That is not an insignificant figure.
But is it actually that surprising? The importance of the finding, of course, is still relevant, this is an important statistical correlation between the fight against dementia and the treatment of hearing loss. But the insight we already have coordinates with these findings: as you age, it’s crucial to treat your loss of hearing if you want to delay dementia.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
You can’t always believe the information presented in scientific studies because it can in many cases be contradictory. The reasons for that are long, varied, and not very relevant to our discussion here. The bottom line is: yet further proof, this research indicates neglected loss of hearing can result in or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this indicate? In many ways, it’s fairly simple: if you’ve noticed any probable indications of hearing loss, schedule an appointment with us soon. And, if you need a hearing aid, you should definitely start using that hearing aid as advised.
When You Use Them Regularly, Hearing Aids Can Counter Dementia
Unfortunately, when most people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always instantly get into the habit of using them. The usual reasons why include:
- The hearing aid isn’t feeling like it fits perfectly. If you are suffering from this problem, please let us know. We can help make it fit better.
- It’s hard to understand voices. In some instances, it takes time for your brain to adapt 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 concerns you. You’d be surprised at the wide variety of models we have available nowadays. Some styles are so discreet, you might not even notice 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.
Clearly wearing your hearing aids is crucial to your health and future mental abilities. We can help if you’re having difficulties with any of the above. Sometimes the answer will take patience and time, but consulting your hearing specialist to ensure your hearing aids are working for you is a part of the process.
It’s more important than ever to take care of your hearing loss especially in the light of the new evidence. Hearing aids are safeguarding your hearing health and your mental health so it’s vital to take that treatment seriously.
What’s The Connection Between Hearing Aids And Dementia?
So why are these two problems hearing loss and dementia even linked in the first place? Social solitude is the prominent theory but scientists are not completely sure. When dealing with loss of hearing, some people isolate themselves socially. 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 with a hearing aid. And that can help keep your brain active, providing a more effective natural safeguard against dementia and cognitive decline. That’s why a link between the two shouldn’t be unexpected and why hearing loss treatments can slow down dementia by up to 75%.