Between hectic schedules and the disruptions of events, it’s all too easy to put off important appointments, such as those with a hearing specialist or for fitting hearing aids. You may even find yourself hesitating to get hearing aids altogether. But hearing loss impacts more than just your ears and delaying treatment can have negative effects on your whole life.
Untreated hearing loss can result in a higher risk of mental decline
A clear connection between mental decline and untreated hearing loss has been established by scientists and researchers. This is one reason why delaying treatment is never a good plan.
The impact on hearing
Naturally, it’s evident that putting off treatment for hearing loss isn’t helpful for maintaining your auditory health. By avoiding appointments with a hearing specialist or delaying the purchase of hearing aids, you unintentionally subject your ears to further damage.
The development of your hearing loss will be quickened if you constantly need to crank up the volume on your devices. Hearing aids can amplify specific frequencies of sound thereby delaying the development of hearing loss.
The connection between neglected hearing loss and cognitive function
Your brain and your hearing are closely connected. Research indicates that untreated hearing loss can have substantial consequences on mental function. Social isolation, frequently a consequence of weakened hearing, can lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which in turn can worsen mental decline over time.
Also, the recovery of healthy hearing function can be complicated because neglected hearing loss will force the brain to adapt by reallocating mental resources from other functions, such as visual processes, over to auditory processes.
Navigating neuroplasticity
The brain’s phenomenal ability to adapt, known as neuroplasticity, is both a friend and a foe in this situation. While it allows for flexibility and restoration, extended untreated hearing loss can lead to significant rewiring of the brain, making it challenging to return to previous functionality.
However, it’s not impossible to undo these effects. Despite previous delays in getting treatment, using hearing aids as prescribed by a specialist can still yield significant benefits in both the short and long term.
Schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist
While prompt treatment is ideal, it’s never too late to tackle hearing loss. Making an appointment with us as soon as possible is important, ensuring you can enjoy improved hearing and mental function going forward. Call today!