Your brain can be helped by taking care of your hearing loss. At least, that’s according to a new study out of a University of Manchester study group. These analysts examined a group of around 2000 participants over a time period of just about twenty years (1996 to 2014). The outstanding results? Treating your hearing loss can slow down dementia by as much as 75%.
That’s a substantial figure.
Nevertheless, it’s not really all that unexpected. The significance of the finding, of course, is still useful, that sort of statistical relationship between hearing loss treatment and the fight against dementia is important and eye-popping. But it coordinates well with what we currently know: treating your loss of hearing is imperative to slowing dementia as you age.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
Scientific research can be inconsistent and perplexing (should I eat eggs, shouldn’t I eat eggs? How about wine? Will that help me live longer?). The reasons for that are lengthy, diverse, and not really that pertinent to our topic here. The bottom line is: this new study is yet another piece of evidence that reveals neglected hearing loss can lead to or exacerbate cognitive decline including dementia.
So what does this mean for you? In many ways, it’s quite basic: you should set up an appointment with us right away if you’ve observed any hearing loss. And, if you require a hearing aid, you need to absolutely begin using that hearing aid as advised.
When You Wear Them Regularly, Hearing Aids Can Forestall Dementia
Unfortunately, not everyone falls right into the habit of wearing a prescribed pair of hearing aids. Some of the reasons why are:
- How hearing aids look worries you. These days, we have a lot of types available which might surprise you. Some models are so discreet, you may not even notice them.
- Voices are difficult to understand. Your brain doesn’t always instantly adjust to hearing voices. There are some things we can recommend, such as reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this situation easier.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel 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 very well. If you are suffering from this issue, please contact us. We can help make it fit better.
Obviously using your hearing aids is essential to your health and future mental abilities. If you’re struggling with any of the above, get in touch with us for an adjustment. At times the solution will take time or patience, but working with your hearing professional to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process.
It’s more significant than ever to take care of your loss of hearing particularly in the light of the new findings. Take the treatment seriously because hearing aids are safeguarding your hearing and your mental health.
Dementia And Hearing Aids, What’s The Connection?, What’s The Link?
So why are these two conditions loss of hearing and dementia even linked to begin with? Experts themselves aren’t exactly sure, but some theories are associated with social solitude. Some people, when faced with loss of hearing, become less socially active. Sensory stimulation is the foundation of another theory. In 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. Supplying a natural safeguard for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why a link between the two shouldn’t be surprising and why hearing loss treatments can delay dementia by up to 75%.