Taking care of your loss of hearing can be helpful for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study from a University of Manchester research team. Over the period of about 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 individuals were evaluated by these scientists. The attention-getting conclusions? Dementia can be delayed by up to 75% by treating hearing loss.
That is not a small figure.
But still, it’s not really that unexpected. The importance of the finding, of course, is still useful, this is an important statistical connection between the fight against cognitive decline and the treatment of hearing loss. But the insight we already have aligns well with these findings: treating your hearing loss is vital to slowing cognitive decline as you age.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
You can’t always rely on the content provided in scientific research because it can in many cases be contradictory. The reasons for that are lengthy, varied, and not really that relevant to our discussion here. Because here’s the main point: yet further proof, this research indicates untreated 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 basic: if you’ve been noticing any probable indications of hearing loss, come see us soon. And, if you need a hearing aid, you should absolutely begin wearing that hearing aid as directed.
Hearing Aids Help Prevent Dementia When You Use Them Regularly
Regrettably, when people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always immediately get into the habit of wearing them. The usual reasons why include:
- It’s challenging to understand voices. In some instances, it takes time for your brain to adjust to recognizing voices again. We can suggest things to do to help make this process easier, such as reading along with a book recording.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits very well. If you are experiencing this issue, please give us a call. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel like it works the way it should. Many people need to have their settings adjusted, and calibration problems are definitely something that can be addressed by our hearing specialists.
- You’re concerned about how hearing aids appear. Presently, we have lots of types available which may surprise you. Additionally, many hearing aid models are manufactured to be very unobtrusive.
Your future mental faculties and even your health as a whole are clearly impacted by using hearing aids. If you’re having difficulties with any of the above, get in touch with us for an adjustment. Sometimes the answer will take time or patience, but consulting your hearing professional to ensure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process.
And in light of these new findings, managing your hearing loss is more important than ever before. Take the treatment seriously because hearing aids are safeguarding your hearing and your mental health.
Hearing Aids And Dementia, What’s The Relationship?
So what’s the actual link between dementia and hearing loss? Social isolation is the leading theory but experts are not 100% certain. When dealing with hearing loss, some people isolate themselves socially. Sensory stimulation is the basis of another theory. All senses stimulate activity in the brain, and some experts theorize that losing stimulation can cause cognitive decline over a period of 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 a connection between the two should not be unexpected and why hearing loss treatments can delay dementia by up to 75%.