Taking care of your hearing loss can be good for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study from a University of Manchester research team. These analysts examined a group of around 2000 individuals over the course of almost twenty years (1996 to 2014). The attention-getting findings? Dealing with your hearing loss can slow dementia by as much as 75%.
That is not a small figure.
But is it really that surprising? The importance of the finding, of course, is still relevant, this is an important statistical connection between the struggle against cognitive decline and the treatment of hearing loss. But it coordinates well with what we currently know: treating your loss of hearing is vital to slowing dementia as you get older.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
Scientific studies can be confusing and inconsistent (should I eat eggs, shouldn’t I eat eggs? How about wine? Will that help me live longer?). The causes for that are lengthy, diverse, and not very relevant to our discussion here. Because here’s the main point: yet further proof, this research suggests neglected loss of hearing can result in or exacerbate mental decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this indicate? It’s very simple in some ways: you should come see us immediately if you’ve noticed any hearing loss. And, if you need a hearing aid, you need to absolutely start wearing that hearing aid as directed.
Hearing Aids Help Prevent Dementia When You Use Them Correctly
Unfortunately, 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:
- 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.
- Voices are difficult to understand. Your brain doesn’t always instantly adjust to hearing voices. We can suggest things to do to help make this endeavor go more smoothly, like reading along with an audiobook.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel like it fits properly. If you are having this problem, please get in touch with us. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
- You’re worried about how hearing aids look. Nowadays, we have a lot of designs available which may amaze you. Also, many hearing aid models are manufactured to be very discreet.
Obviously wearing your hearing aids is essential to your health and future mental abilities. If you’re struggling with any of the above, get in touch with us for an adjustment. Consulting your hearing expert to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it calls for time and patience.
It’s more significant than ever to take care of your loss of hearing particularly taking into consideration the new findings. Hearing aids are defending your hearing health and your mental health so it’s vital to be serious about treatment.
Dementia And Hearing Aids, What’s The Connection?, What’s The Link?
So why are these two health conditions hearing loss and dementia even associated to begin with? Experts themselves aren’t completely sure, but some theories are related to social solitude. Many people, when dealing with loss of hearing, become less socially involved. Sensory stimulation is the basis of another theory. All senses generate activity in the brain, and some experts theorize that the loss of stimulation can cause cognitive decline over a period of time.
You hear better with a hearing aid. Providing a natural safeguard 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 dementia by up to 75%.