Treating your loss of hearing can be good for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study by a group of analysts out of the University of Manchester. These analysts considered a group of around 2000 participants over the course of approximately twenty years (1996 to 2014). The striking results? Treating your loss of hearing can delay dementia by up to 75%.
That’s a significant figure.
Nevertheless, it’s not all all that unexpected. The significance of the finding, of course, is still relevant, that kind of statistical relationship between hearing loss treatment and the battle against dementia is noteworthy and eye-popping. But the information we already have aligns well with these findings: as you get older, it’s vital to treat your loss of hearing if you want to delay cognitive decline.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
You can’t always trust the content presented in scientific studies because it can frequently be inconsistent. The reasons for that are long, diverse, and not all that pertinent to our discussion here. The bottom line is: yet another piece of evidence, this research reveals neglected hearing loss can result in or exacerbate mental decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this imply? In many ways, it’s pretty basic: you need to come see us as soon as possible if you’ve observed any hearing loss. And, if you require a hearing aid, you should definitely begin wearing that hearing aid as advised.
Hearing Aids Assist in Preventing Dementia When You Use Them Correctly
Sadly, when most people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always immediately get into the habit of wearing them. Some of the reasons why are:
- It’s hard to understand voices. Your brain doesn’t always immediately adjust to hearing voices. We can suggest things to do to help make this endeavor go more smoothly, like reading along with a book recording.
- 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.
- You’re concerned about how hearing aids look. Nowadays, we have lots of styles available which might surprise you. Some models are so discreet, you may not even notice them.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits comfortably. If you are suffering from this issue, please get in touch with us. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
Clearly wearing your hearing aids is essential to your health and future mental faculties. We can help if you’re trying to cope with any of the above. Working with your hearing professional to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it calls for time and patience.
And in light of these new findings, managing your hearing loss is more significant than ever before. Be serious about the treatment because hearing aids are protecting your hearing and your mental health.
What’s The Connection Between Dementia And Hearing Aids?
So why are these two health conditions hearing loss and dementia even connected in the first place? Specialists themselves aren’t exactly sure, but some theories are associated with social isolation. Many people, when faced with loss of hearing, become less socially active. Sensory stimulation is the basis of another theory. With time, if a person loses sensory stimulation, like hearing loss, the brain gets less activity which then causes cognitive decline.
You hear better with a hearing aid. And that can help keep your brain active, supplying a more powerful natural safeguard against dementia and cognitive decline. That’s why dealing with hearing loss can delay dementia by as much as 75% percent and why it shouldn’t be surprising that there is a link between the two.