Your brain can be helped by dealing with your loss of hearing. At least, that’s according to a new study by a team of researchers out of the University of Manchester. These analysts examined a team of around 2000 individuals over a time period of almost twenty years (1996 to 2014). The outstanding findings? Managing your loss of hearing can slow down dementia by as much as 75%.
That’s a substantial figure.
But is it actually that surprising? That’s not to take away from the weight of the finding, of course, this is an important statistical correlation between the struggle against cognitive decline and the treatment of hearing loss. But the information we already have coordinates with these findings: treating your loss of hearing is imperative to slowing dementia as you get older.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
You can’t always believe the content presented in scientific research because it can frequently be inconsistent. There are lots of unrelated causes for this. Because here’s the main point: yet further proof, this research indicates neglected loss of hearing can result in or exacerbate cognitive decline including dementia.
So what does this indicate for you? In many ways, it’s fairly straight forward: you should come see us immediately if you’ve observed any hearing loss. And, if you need a hearing aid, you need to absolutely begin wearing that hearing aid as advised.
Hearing Aids Help Prevent Dementia When You Use Them Regularly
Regrettably, when most people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always instantly get into the habit of wearing them. Some of the reasons why are:
- 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.
- It’s difficult to make out voices. In some situations, it takes time for your brain to adapt to hearing voices again. We can suggest things to do to help make this process go more smoothly, such as reading along with a book recording.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel like it fits properly. If you are suffering from this issue, please give us a call. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- How hearing aids look concerns you. You’d be surprised at the range of designs we have available now. In addition, many hearing aid models are created to be very discreet.
Your future cognitive abilities and even your health in general are obviously affected by using hearing aids. If you’re struggling with any of the above, come see us for an adjustment. Sometimes the solution will take time or patience, but consulting your hearing specialist to make sure your hearing aids work for you is just part of the process.
And taking into consideration these new findings, treating your hearing loss is more significant than ever. Hearing aids are protecting your hearing health and your mental health so it’s crucial to be serious about treatment.
What’s The Link Between Dementia And Hearing Aids?
So what’s the real connection between loss of hearing and dementia? Experts themselves aren’t exactly sure, but some theories are related to social isolation. Many people, when faced with loss of hearing, become less socially involved. Sensory stimulation is the basis of another theory. All senses induce activity in the brain, and some experts theorize that losing stimulation can cause 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 effective natural safeguard against dementia and cognitive decline. That’s why a connection between the two should not be unexpected and why hearing loss treatments can slow dementia by as much as 75%.