Your brain can be benefited by dealing with 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 looked at a team of around 2000 participants over the course of just about 2 decades (1996 to 2014). The surprising outcome? Dementia can be slowed by up to 75% by dealing with loss of hearing.
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 battle against dementia and the treatment of hearing loss. But it aligns well with what we already know: treating your hearing loss is essential to slowing cognitive decline as you age.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
You can’t always believe the content provided in scientific studies because it can in many cases be contradictory. The reasons for that are long, varied, and not all that relevant to our topic here. Because here’s the main point: yet further proof, this research suggests untreated loss of hearing can result in or worsen mental decline including dementia.
So what does this indicate for you? In certain ways, it’s fairly basic: you need to come see us as soon as possible if you’ve noticed any hearing loss. And, if you need a hearing aid, you should definitely start wearing that hearing aid as advised.
When You Wear Them Regularly, Hearing Aids Can Help Counter Dementia
Unfortunately, not everyone falls right into the habit of wearing a prescribed pair of hearing aids. Some of the reasons why are:
- It’s challenging to understand voices. In many cases, it takes time for your brain to adjust to recognizing voices again. We can recommend things to do to help make this process go more smoothly, like reading along with an audiobook.
- The hearing aid doesn’t seem like it works as advertised. Many people need to have their settings adjusted, and calibration problems are definitely something that can be addressed by our hearing specialists.
- The way hearing aids look concerns you. You’d be amazed at the assortment of models we have available currently. Some models are so subtle, you may not even see them.
- The hearing aid isn’t feeling as if it fits perfectly. If you are experiencing this problem, please give us a call. We can help make it fit better.
Clearly using your hearing aids is crucial to your health and future mental abilities. We can help if you’re having difficulties with any of the above. Consulting your hearing professional to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it demands time and patience.
And in light of these new findings, treating your hearing loss is more important than it ever was. Hearing aids are protecting your hearing health and your mental health so it’s vital to take that treatment seriously.
Dementia And Hearing Aids, What’s The Connection?, What’s The Relationship?
So what’s the real link between dementia and loss of hearing? Specialists themselves aren’t exactly sure, but some theories are related to social solitude. Some people, when faced with hearing loss, become less socially active. Sensory stimulation is the foundation of another theory. All senses generate activity in the brain, and some scientists theorize that the loss of stimulation can result in cognitive decline over a period of time.
You hear better when you wear your hearing aid. And that can help keep your brain active, providing a more powerful natural safeguard against dementia and cognitive decline. That’s why a connection between the two should not be surprising and why hearing loss treatments can delay dementia by up to 75%.