Is Dementia Slowed Down by Using Hearing Aids?

Your brain can be helped by taking care of your hearing loss. At least, that’s according to a new study out of a University of Manchester study team. These analysts looked at a team of around 2000 participants over the course of almost twenty years (1996 to 2014). The outstanding conclusions? Dementia can be slowed by as much as 75% by treating loss of hearing.

That is not an insignificant figure.

But still, it’s not all all that unexpected. That’s not to detract from the significance of the finding, of course, that sort of statistical connection between hearing loss treatment and the struggle against dementia is noteworthy and stunning. But the insight we already have aligns well with these findings: treating your hearing loss is imperative to slowing dementia as you get older.

What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?

Scientific studies can be inconsistent and perplexing (should I eat eggs, should I not eat eggs? How about wine? Will that help me live longer?). The reasons for that are long, varied, and not all that pertinent to our topic here. Because here’s the bottom line: yet another piece of evidence, this research implies untreated loss of hearing can result in or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.

So what does this indicate for you? It’s simple in many ways: if you’ve been noticing any probable indications of hearing loss, come see us in the near future. And you should begin using that hearing aid as advised if you find out you require one.

When You Use Them Regularly, Hearing Aids Can Help Prevent Dementia

Sadly, not everyone falls directly into the habit of wearing a prescribed pair of hearing aids. The usual reasons why include:

• You’re worried about how hearing aids look. Presently, we have a lot of styles available which might amaze you. In addition, many hearing aid styles are designed to be very discreet.
• The hearing aid doesn’t feel like it fits perfectly. If you are suffering from this issue, please let us know. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
• The way that the hearing aid is advertised 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. In many cases, it takes time for your brain to adjust to hearing voices again. We can suggest things to do to help make this endeavor easier, like reading along with an audiobook.

Clearly wearing your hearing aids is essential to your health and future mental faculties. 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 time or patience, but working with your hearing specialist to ensure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process.

It’s more important than ever to manage your loss of hearing particularly in the light of the new evidence. Hearing aids are defending your hearing health and your mental health so it’s vital to take that treatment seriously.

What’s The Link Between Hearing Aids And Dementia?

So why are these two conditions loss of hearing and dementia even associated in the first place? Social isolation is the prominent theory but scientists are not 100% certain. Some people, when faced with hearing loss, become less socially involved. Yet another theory refers to sensory stimulation. All senses trigger activity in the brain, and some experts theorize that the loss of stimulation can result in cognitive decline over a period of time.

You hear better when you wear your hearing aid. Providing a natural defense for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why a relationship between the two should not be surprising and why hearing loss treatments can delay dementia by up to 75%.