Your brain can be helped by dealing with your loss of hearing. At least, that’s according to a new study by a group of researchers from the University of Manchester. These analysts examined a team of around 2000 individuals over the course of nearly twenty years (1996 to 2014). The surprising results? Dementia can be slowed by as much as 75% by managing your hearing loss.
That is not a small number.
But is it really that surprising? That’s not to detract from the importance of the finding, of course, that type of statistical relationship between hearing loss treatment and the struggle against dementia is important and eye-popping. But the information we already have coordinates with these findings: treating your loss of hearing is imperative to slowing dementia as you get older.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
You can’t always believe the content provided in scientific research because it can frequently be contradictory. The reasons for that are long, varied, and not really that relevant to our topic here. Because here’s the bottom line: this new study is yet another piece of evidence that implies neglected hearing loss can lead to or worsen mental decline including dementia.
So what does this mean for you? It’s very simple in several ways: you should come see us immediately if you’ve noticed any hearing loss. And you really should start wearing that hearing aid as advised if you find out you need one.
Hearing Aids Help Prevent Dementia When You Wear Them Correctly
Unfortunately, when most people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always immediately get into the habit of using them. Some of the reasons why are:
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel like it works the way it should. Many people need to have their settings adjusted, and calibration problems are definitely something that can be addressed by our hearing specialists.
- It’s hard to make out voices. Your brain doesn’t always immediately adjust to understanding voices. We can recommend things to do to help make this process easier, such as reading along with a book recording.
- The hearing aid doesn’t feel as if it fits well. If you are suffering from this issue, please get in touch with us. We can help make it fit better.
- The way hearing aids look worries you. You’d be amazed at the wide variety of models we have available nowadays. Some models are so subtle, you may not even notice them.
Obviously using your hearing aids is important to your health and future mental faculties. If you’re having difficulties with any of the above, come see us for an adjustment. Quite often the answer will take patience and time, but consulting your hearing specialist to make sure your hearing aids work for you is just part of the process.
It’s more significant than ever to take care of your hearing loss especially taking into consideration the new findings. Be serious about the treatment because hearing aids are protecting your hearing and your mental health.
Dementia And Hearing Aids, What’s The Connection?, What’s The Connection?
So what’s the real connection between hearing loss and dementia? Scientists themselves aren’t exactly certain, but some theories are associated with social solitude. When suffering from loss of hearing, some people seclude themselves socially. Sensory stimulation is the foundation of another theory. Over the years, if a person loses sensory stimulation, such as hearing loss, the brain gets less activity which then results in mental decline.
Your hearing aid helps you hear better. Providing a natural defense for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why a link between the two shouldn’t be unexpected and why hearing loss treatments can delay dementia by as much as 75%.