Your brain can be helped by taking care of your loss of hearing. At least, that’s according to a new study by a team of analysts from the University of Manchester. These analysts examined a group of more than 2000 participants over a time period of approximately 2 decades (1996 to 2014). The striking results? Managing your hearing loss can delay dementia by as much as 75%.
That’s a significant number.
But is it actually that surprising? The significance of the finding, of course, is still relevant, this is an important statistical correlation between the fight against cognitive decline and the treatment of hearing loss. But it coordinates well with what we currently know: treating your hearing loss is imperative to slowing cognitive decline as you get older.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
Scientific research can be perplexing and contradictory (should I eat eggs, should I not eat eggs? How about wine? Will that help me live longer?). There are lots of unrelated reasons for this. Because here’s the bottom line: this new research is yet another piece of evidence that implies neglected loss of hearing can result in or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.
So what does this mean for you? In some ways, it’s quite simple: you should come see us immediately if you’ve noticed any hearing loss. And, if you need a hearing aid, you need to definitely start wearing that hearing aid as directed.
Hearing Aids Help Prevent Dementia When You Wear Them Regularly
Sadly, when most people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always instantly get into the habit of wearing them. The often cited reasons why include:
- You’re anxious about how hearing aids appear. Presently, we have a lot of models available which may amaze you. Some styles are so discreet, you might not even see them.
- It’s challenging to make out voices. In many cases, it takes time for your brain to adapt to recognizing voices again. We can recommend things to do to help make this process go more smoothly, like reading along with a book recording.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel like it fits comfortably. If you are having this issue, please let us know. 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.
Clearly using your hearing aids is crucial to your health and future mental abilities. If you’re trying to cope with any of the above, come see us for an adjustment. Working with your hearing professional to make certain your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it calls for time and patience.
And taking into consideration these new findings, treating your hearing loss is more significant than ever before. Hearing aids are protecting your hearing health and your mental health so it’s important to be serious about treatment.
What’s The Connection Between Dementia And Hearing Aids?
So why are these two health conditions dementia and hearing loss even linked in the first place? Social solitude is the leading theory but experts are not 100% certain. Many people, when faced with loss of hearing, become less socially involved. A different theory has to do with sensory stimulation. All senses trigger activity in the brain, and some researchers theorize that the loss of stimulation can lead to cognitive decline over a period of time.
Your hearing aid helps you hear better. And that can help keep your brain active, delivering a more powerful natural safeguard against dementia and cognitive decline. That’s why treating hearing loss can delay dementia by up to 75% percent and why it shouldn’t be surprising that there is a link between the two.