Your brain can be helped by treating your loss of hearing. At least, that’s according to a new study by a team of researchers out of the University of Manchester. Over the period of about 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 people were looked at by these researchers. The surprising outcome? Dementia can be delayed by as much as 75% by managing your loss of hearing.
That is not an insignificant figure.
But is it actually that surprising? The importance of the finding, of course, is still useful, this is an important statistical correlation between the struggle against cognitive decline and the treatment of hearing loss. But it aligns well with what we currently know: as you age, it’s vital to treat your hearing loss if you want to hold off dementia.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
You can’t always rely on the information provided in scientific research because it can frequently be contradictory. There are lots of unrelated reasons for this. Because here’s the main point: this new study is yet further proof that suggests untreated hearing loss can result in or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this imply? It’s straightforward in many ways: you need to come see us right away if you’ve observed any hearing loss. And, if you need a hearing aid, you need to definitely start using that hearing aid as directed.
Hearing Aids Assist in Preventing Dementia When You Wear Them Correctly
Unfortunately, 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 isn’t feeling as if it fits very well. If you are experiencing this issue, please give us a call. We can help make it fit better.
- How hearing aids look worries you. Presently, we have a lot of styles available which might surprise you. Some models are so subtle, you may not even notice them.
- It’s difficult to make out voices. In some situations, it takes time for your brain to adapt to hearing voices again. There are things we can suggest, like reading along with an audiobook, that can make this situation easier.
- 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.
Obviously wearing your hearing aids is crucial to your health and future cognitive faculties. We can help if you’re trying to cope with any of the above. Quite often the answer will take patience and time, but working with your hearing specialist to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process.
And in light of these new findings, dealing with your hearing loss is more significant than it ever was. Take the treatment seriously because hearing aids are defending your hearing and your mental health.
What’s The Link Between Dementia And Hearing Aids?
So what’s the real connection between hearing loss and dementia? Specialists themselves aren’t exactly sure, but some theories are related to social solitude. Some people, when dealing with loss of hearing, become less socially active. A different theory relates to sensory stimulation. All senses induce activity in the brain, and some scientists theorize that losing stimulation can result in cognitive decline over time.
Your hearing aid will help you hear better. Supplying a natural defense for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why a link between the two should not be surprising and why hearing loss treatments can slow dementia by as much as 75%.