Treating your loss of hearing can be good for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study by a team of researchers out of the University of Manchester. These analysts looked at a team of more than 2000 individuals over a time period of just about twenty years (1996 to 2014). The outstanding findings? Dementia can be delayed by as much as 75% by managing your hearing loss.
That’s a substantial figure.
And yet, it’s not really all that surprising. The significance of the finding, of course, is still relevant, that kind of statistical relationship between hearing loss treatment and the fight against dementia is noteworthy and shocking. But it aligns well with what we currently know: treating your loss of hearing is essential to slowing dementia as you get older.
How am I Impacted by This Research?
You can’t always believe the content presented in scientific studies because it can frequently be inconsistent. There are countless unrelated causes for this. The main point here is: this new study is yet another piece of evidence that reveals untreated hearing loss can lead to or worsen mental decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this mean? In certain ways, it’s quite simple: if you’ve been noticing any possible indications of hearing loss, come see us as soon as you can. And you need to begin using that hearing aid as advised if you find out you require one.
When You Wear Them Correctly, Hearing Aids Can Help Forestall Dementia
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 hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits well. If you are experiencing this problem, please let us know. We can help make it fit better.
- It’s difficult to make out voices. In many cases, it takes time for your brain to adjust to recognizing 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 way hearing aids look concerns you. You’d be surprised at the wide variety of styles we have available currently. In addition, many hearing aid models are designed to be very discreet.
- 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.
Obviously wearing your hearing aids is important to your health and future mental faculties. If you’re trying to cope with any of the above, come see us for an adjustment. Quite often the solution will take time or patience, but working with your hearing professional to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process.
And in light of these new findings, managing your hearing loss is more significant than it ever was. Be serious about the treatment because hearing aids are protecting your hearing and your mental health.
Hearing Aids And Dementia, What’s The Link?
So why are these two problems dementia and hearing loss even linked to begin with? Social solitude is the prominent theory but experts are not completely certain. Some people, when dealing with hearing loss, become less socially active. Yet another theory has to do with sensory stimulation. All senses trigger activity in the brain, and some researchers theorize that losing stimulation can lead to cognitive decline over time.
You hear better with a hearing aid. Supplying a natural defense for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why taking care of hearing loss can slow dementia by up to 75% percent and why it shouldn’t be unexpected that there is a connection between the two.
