Taking care of your hearing loss can be helpful for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study from a University of Manchester study team. Over the period of about 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 men and women were examined by these scientists. The surprising results? Dementia can be slowed by up to 75% by managing your hearing loss.
That’s a substantial number.
And yet, it’s not really all that surprising. The significance of the finding, of course, is still relevant, this is an important statistical correlation between the battle against cognitive decline and the treatment of hearing loss. But it aligns well with what we already know: as you get older, it’s crucial to treat your hearing loss if you want to hold off cognitive decline.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
You can’t always believe the information provided in scientific studies because it can often be inconsistent. There are countless unrelated reasons for this. The bottom line is: this new study is yet another piece of evidence that indicates neglected loss of hearing can result in or worsen mental decline including dementia.
So what does this indicate for you? It’s straightforward in several ways: you need to come see us right away if you’ve observed any hearing loss. And, if you need a hearing aid, you should definitely start wearing that hearing aid as directed.
Hearing Aids Assist in Preventing Dementia When You Use Them Regularly
Unfortunately, not everybody falls directly into the habit of wearing a prescribed pair of hearing aids. The usual reasons why include:
- The way that the hearing aid is supposed to work, doesn’t seem 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.
- The way hearing aids look concerns you. Nowadays, we have a lot of models available which may amaze you. Some models are so discreet, you may not even notice them.
- The hearing aid isn’t feeling like it fits well. If you are experiencing this issue, please let us know. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- Peoples voices are difficult to understand. In many situations, it takes time for your brain to adjust to recognizing voices again. There are some things we can recommend, such as reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this process go more smoothly.
Obviously wearing your hearing aids is crucial to your health and future mental faculties. If you’re struggling with any of the above, come see us for an adjustment. Consulting your hearing expert to make certain your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it demands time and patience.
And taking into consideration these new findings, treating your hearing loss is more important than ever before. Hearing aids are defending your hearing health and your mental health so it’s essential to be serious about treatment.
What’s The Link Between Hearing Aids And Dementia?
So why are these two conditions dementia and loss of hearing even connected to begin with? Social solitude is the prominent theory but scientists are not 100% sure. Many people, when faced with hearing loss, become less socially involved. Another theory relates to sensory stimulation. Over the years, if a person loses sensory stimulation, such as hearing loss, the brain gets less activity which then causes cognitive decline.
You hear better when you wear your hearing aid. Providing a natural defense for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why a relationship between the two shouldn’t be unexpected and why hearing loss treatments can slow dementia by as much as 75%.