Your brain can be benefited by treating your hearing loss. At least, that’s according to a new study by a group of analysts out of the University of Manchester. Over the period of about 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 individuals were studied by these investigators. The outstanding results? Dealing with your hearing loss can slow dementia by as much as 75%.
That’s a significant number.
Nevertheless, it’s not really that surprising. The importance of the finding, of course, is still relevant, that kind of statistical relationship between hearing loss treatment and the battle against dementia is important and stunning. But it coordinates well with what we already know: treating your loss of hearing is essential to slowing cognitive decline as you get older.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
You can’t always trust the information presented in scientific studies because it can commonly be contradictory. There are countless unrelated reasons for this. The main point here is: yet another piece of evidence, this research indicates untreated hearing loss can lead to or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.
So what does this indicate for you? In some ways, it’s quite simple: you should set up an appointment with us immediately if you’ve noticed any loss of hearing. And you need to start using that hearing aid as directed if you find out you require one.
Hearing Aids Help Prevent Dementia When You Use Them Regularly
Sadly, not everyone falls directly into the practice of using a prescribed pair of hearing aids. The usual reasons why include:
- The hearing aid isn’t feeling as if it fits well. If you are having this problem, please let us know. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- Peoples voices are difficult to make out. In some instances, it takes time for your brain to adjust to hearing voices again. There are things we can suggest, including reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this endeavor go more smoothly.
- The way that the hearing aid is advertised 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.
- The way hearing aids look concerns you. You’d be surprised at the wide variety of models we have available now. Plus, many hearing aid styles are manufactured to be very unobtrusive.
Your future cognitive abilities and even your health as a whole are clearly affected by using hearing aids. If you’re trying to cope with any of the above, get in touch with us for an adjustment. At times the answer will take patience and time, but consulting your hearing professional to ensure your hearing aids are working for you is a part of the process.
It’s more important than ever to deal with your hearing loss especially taking into consideration the new findings. Hearing aids are protecting your hearing health and your mental health so it’s important to take that treatment seriously.
What’s The Link Between Dementia And Hearing Aids?
So why are these two problems hearing loss and dementia even associated in the first place? Social solitude is the prominent theory but scientists are not completely sure. Many people, when faced with loss of hearing, become less socially involved. Another theory relates to sensory stimulation. All senses generate activity in the brain, and some experts theorize that losing stimulation can cause cognitive decline over time.
Your hearing aid helps you hear better. Supplying a natural defense for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why a connection between the two should not be surprising and why hearing loss treatments can slow down dementia by as much as 75%.