Your brain can be benefited by treating your hearing loss. At least, that’s according to a new study out of a University of Manchester study group. These analysts looked at a group of more than 2000 participants over the course of approximately twenty years (1996 to 2014). The striking results? Treating your hearing loss can delay dementia by as much as 75%.
That’s a considerable number.
But is it actually 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 struggle against dementia is noteworthy and shocking. But it coordinates well with what we already know: treating your hearing loss is vital to slowing cognitive decline as you get older.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
Scientific studies can be contradictory and perplexing (should I eat eggs, shouldn’t I eat eggs? What about wine? Will drinking wine help me live longer?). There are many unrelated reasons for this. The bottom line is: yet further proof, this research implies untreated loss of hearing can lead to or exacerbate mental decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this mean? In many ways, it’s fairly simple: you need to come see us right away if you’ve observed any hearing loss. And, if you need a hearing aid, you should absolutely start wearing that hearing aid as advised.
When You Use Them Regularly, Hearing Aids Can Help Prevent Dementia
Unfortunately, not everyone falls directly into the practice of using a prescribed pair of hearing aids. Some of the reasons why are:
- The hearing aid isn’t feeling as if it fits comfortably. If you are having this problem, please give us a call. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- The way that the hearing aid is supposed to work, doesn’t appear 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.
- Voices are difficult to make out. Your brain doesn’t always instantly adjust to understanding voices. We can recommend things to do to help make this endeavor go more smoothly, such as reading along with a book recording.
- The way hearing aids look concerns you. You’d be surprised at the assortment of designs we have available now. Some models are so subtle, you might not even see them.
Your future cognitive faculties and even your health as a whole are clearly affected by using hearing aids. If you’re having difficulties with any of the above, get in touch with us for an adjustment. Consulting your hearing specialist to make certain your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it demands time and patience.
It’s more significant than ever to deal with your loss of hearing particularly in the light of the new findings. Hearing aids are protecting your hearing health and your mental health so it’s essential to take that treatment seriously.
What’s The Connection Between Dementia And Hearing Aids?
So why are these two problems hearing loss and dementia even associated in the first place? Scientists themselves aren’t completely sure, but some theories are associated with social solitude. Many people, when faced with loss of hearing, become less socially involved. Another theory refers to sensory stimulation. All senses trigger activity in the brain, and some researchers theorize that losing stimulation can result in cognitive decline over a period of time.
You hear better with a hearing aid. And that can help keep your brain active, delivering a more effective natural defense against dementia and cognitive decline. 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.