Treating 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 around 2000 participants over the course of almost twenty years (1996 to 2014). The surprising results? Treating your hearing loss can slow dementia by as much as 75%.
That is not an insignificant number.
But still, it’s not really that surprising. That’s not to detract from the importance of the finding, of course, that type of statistical connection between hearing loss treatment and the battle against dementia is noteworthy and shocking. But the information we already have aligns well with these findings: as you get older, it’s vital to treat your loss of hearing if you want to hold off cognitive decline.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
You can’t always believe the content provided in scientific research because it can frequently be contradictory. There are many unrelated causes for this. Because here’s the main point: this new study is yet another piece of evidence that reveals untreated loss of hearing can lead to or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this mean? It’s straightforward in many ways: if you’ve observed any potential signs of hearing loss, make an appointment with us soon. And, if you need a hearing aid, you should definitely begin using that hearing aid as directed.
Hearing Aids Assist in Preventing Dementia When You Use Them Correctly
Regrettably, not everybody falls directly into the habit of wearing a prescribed pair of hearing aids. The often cited reasons why include:
- How hearing aids look worries you. You’d be surprised at the wide variety of models we have available nowadays. Also, many hearing aid styles are manufactured to be very discreet.
- 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 doesn’t feel as if it fits properly. If you are suffering from this issue, please get in touch with us. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- It’s difficult to make out voices. In many instances, it takes time for your brain to adjust to hearing voices again. There are some things we can recommend, such as reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this endeavor go more smoothly.
Obviously using your hearing aids is essential to your health and future cognitive faculties. We can help if you’re struggling with any of the above. At times the answer will take patience and time, but consulting your hearing professional to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process.
It’s more important than ever to deal with your loss of hearing specifically in the light of the new evidence. Hearing aids are protecting your hearing health and your mental health so it’s crucial to take that treatment seriously.
What’s The Link Between Hearing Aids And Dementia?
So why are these two problems loss of hearing and dementia even associated to begin with? Social solitude is the leading theory but experts are not completely certain. When coping with hearing loss, some people hide themselves away socially. Another theory refers to sensory stimulation. All senses stimulate activity in the brain, and some scientists theorize that the loss of stimulation can result in cognitive decline over time.
Your hearing aid will help you hear better. Supplying a natural safeguard for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why a connection between the two shouldn’t be surprising and why hearing loss treatments can slow dementia by up to 75%.
