Your brain can be benefited by treating your loss of hearing. At least, that’s according to a new study by a group of researchers from the University of Manchester. Over the period of about 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 people were examined by these researchers. The surprising outcome? Treating your hearing loss can slow down dementia by up to 75%.
That’s a substantial figure.
But is it really that surprising? The importance of the finding, of course, is still relevant, that type of statistical connection between hearing loss treatment and the fight against dementia is important and shocking. But the insight we already have aligns well with these findings: treating your loss of hearing is vital to slowing dementia as you get older.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
You can’t always believe the content provided in scientific studies because it can commonly be inconsistent. There are many unrelated reasons for this. The main point here is: this new study is yet further proof that suggests untreated loss of hearing can result in or exacerbate mental decline including dementia.
So what does this indicate for you? It’s very simple in several ways: you should come see us right away if you’ve noticed any loss of hearing. And, if you need a hearing aid, you should definitely start wearing that hearing aid as directed.
When You Wear Them Correctly, Hearing Aids Can Help Counter Dementia
Unfortunately, when people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always immediately get into the habit of wearing them. Some of the reasons why are:
- You’re concerned about how hearing aids look. Nowadays, we have a lot of models available which may amaze you. In addition, many hearing aid models are designed to be very unobtrusive.
- Voices are difficult to understand. Your brain doesn’t always immediately adapt to understanding voices. There are things we can suggest, such as reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this situation easier.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits comfortably. If you are having this problem, please give us a call. We can help make it fit better.
- 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.
Clearly wearing your hearing aids is essential to your health and future cognitive abilities. We can help if you’re trying to cope with any of the above. Working with your hearing specialist to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it demands time and patience.
It’s more important than ever to take care of your loss of hearing particularly taking into consideration the new evidence. Hearing aids are safeguarding your hearing health and your mental health so it’s important to be serious about treatment.
What’s The Connection Between Hearing Aids And Dementia?
So what’s the real connection between dementia and loss of hearing? Scientists themselves aren’t exactly certain, but some theories are related to social solitude. Many people, when dealing with loss of hearing, become less socially active. Another theory has to do with sensory stimulation. In time, if a person loses sensory stimulation, such as hearing loss, the brain gets less activity which then results in cognitive decline.
You hear better when you wear your hearing aid. Delivering a natural safeguard for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why dealing with 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.