Your brain can be benefited by dealing with your loss of hearing. At least, that’s according to a new study by a group of analysts from the University of Manchester. Over the period of approximately 20 years (1996 to 2014), nearly 2000 individuals were looked at by these researchers. The attention-getting conclusions? Treating your loss of hearing can delay dementia by up to 75%.
That’s a substantial number.
But is it actually that surprising? The significance of the finding, of course, is still useful, that sort of statistical correlation between hearing loss treatment and the battle against dementia is noteworthy and shocking. But the insight we already have aligns well with these findings: treating your loss of hearing is vital to slowing dementia as you get older.
What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?
You can’t always trust the information provided in scientific research because it can in many cases be inconsistent. There are many 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 exacerbate cognitive decline including dementia.
So for you personally, what does this indicate? In many ways, it’s quite basic: you should set up an appointment with us right away if you’ve noticed any loss of hearing. And, if you require a hearing aid, you need to absolutely start wearing that hearing aid as directed.
Hearing Aids Assist in Preventing Dementia When You Use Them Correctly
Regrettably, not everyone falls right into the habit of wearing a prescribed pair of hearing aids. The usual reasons why include:
- You’re worried about how hearing aids appear. You’d be amazed at the assortment of models we have available nowadays. Some styles are so discreet, you may not even see them.
- The hearing aid isn’t feeling like it fits comfortably. If you are having this problem, please give us a call. We can help make it fit better.
- It’s hard to make out voices. In many situations, it takes time for your brain to adapt to hearing voices again. We can recommend things to do to help make this endeavor easier, such as reading along with a book recording.
- 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.
Your future mental faculties and even your health in general are obviously affected by using hearing aids. If you’re trying to cope with any of the above, get in touch with us for an adjustment. Consulting your hearing specialist to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process and it demands time and patience.
It’s more important than ever to deal with your hearing loss particularly taking into consideration the new evidence. Hearing aids are defending your hearing health and your mental health so it’s crucial to take that treatment seriously.
What’s The Link Between Dementia And Hearing Aids?
So what’s the real connection between dementia and hearing loss? Social solitude is the prominent theory but experts are not 100% sure. Some people, when faced with loss of hearing, become less socially active. A different theory refers to sensory stimulation. In time, if a person loses sensory stimulation, such as hearing loss, the brain receives less activity which then results in mental decline.
Your hearing aid will help you hear better. And that can help keep your brain active, offering a more robust natural safeguard against dementia and cognitive decline. That’s why a connection between the two shouldn’t be unexpected and why hearing loss treatments can slow dementia by up to 75%.