Your brain can be helped by taking care of your loss of hearing. At least, that’s according to a new study by a team of analysts from the University of Manchester. These researchers looked at a group of around 2000 individuals over the course of almost 2 decades (1996 to 2014). The outstanding results? Dementia can be slowed by as much as 75% by managing your hearing loss.

That’s a substantial number.

Nevertheless, it’s not really that unexpected. That’s not to detract from the weight of the finding, of course, that kind of statistical correlation between hearing loss treatment and the struggle against dementia is noteworthy and eye-popping. But the insight we already have coordinates with these findings: treating your hearing loss is imperative to slowing cognitive decline as you age.

What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?

Scientific research can be confusing and contradictory (should I eat eggs, shouldn’t I eat eggs? What about wine? Will that help me live longer?). The reasons for that are long, varied, and not very relevant to our discussion here. Because here’s the bottom line: yet another piece of evidence, this research implies untreated loss of hearing can lead to or worsen cognitive decline including dementia.

So what does this indicate for you? It’s straightforward in some ways: if you’ve observed any probable indications of hearing loss, come see us as soon as you can. And you really should start wearing that hearing aid as directed if you find out you require one.

Hearing Aids Assist in Preventing Dementia When You Wear Them Regularly

Regrettably, when most people are prescribed with hearing aids, they don’t always instantly get into the habit of wearing them. The usual reasons why include:

• It’s hard to understand voices. Your brain doesn’t always instantly adjust to understanding voices. We can recommend things to do to help make this process go more smoothly, such as reading along with an audiobook.
• The hearing aid isn’t feeling as if it fits properly. If you are experiencing this issue, please give us a call. We can help make it fit better.
• The way hearing aids look concerns you. You’d be surprised at the variety of designs we have available now. Plus, many hearing aid models are designed to be very discreet.
• The hearing aid doesn’t seem 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.

Obviously wearing your hearing aids is important to your health and future mental abilities. We can help if you’re struggling with any of the above. At times the answer will take patience and time, but working with your hearing professional to make sure your hearing aids work for you is just part of the process.

It’s more important than ever to take care of your hearing loss particularly in the light of the new evidence. Be serious about the treatment because hearing aids are protecting your hearing and your mental health.

Hearing Aids And Dementia, What’s The Connection?

So why are these two health conditions dementia and loss of hearing even associated to begin with? Social isolation is the leading theory but scientists are not 100% certain. When coping with loss of hearing, some people seclude themselves socially. Yet another theory refers to sensory stimulation. With time, if a person loses sensory stimulation, such as hearing loss, the brain receives less activity which then results in cognitive decline.

Your hearing aid allows you to hear better. And that can help keep your brain active, creating a more effective natural safeguard against dementia and cognitive decline. That’s why a connection between the two shouldn’t be surprising and why hearing loss treatments can slow dementia by as much as 75%.