Your brain can be benefited by treating your loss of hearing. At least, that’s according to a new study by a team of analysts out of the University of Manchester. These analysts looked at a team of more than 2000 individuals over the course of nearly twenty years (1996 to 2014). The striking results? Dealing with your hearing loss can delay dementia by up to 75%.

That is not an insignificant figure.

But still, it’s not all that surprising. That’s not to take away from the weight of the finding, of course, that type of statistical correlation between hearing loss treatment and the struggle against dementia is noteworthy and stunning. But the information we already have aligns well with these findings: treating your hearing loss is vital to slowing cognitive decline as you get older.

How am I Impacted by This Research?

You can’t always believe the information presented in scientific research because it can commonly be inconsistent. There are lots of unrelated reasons for this. The bottom line is: yet another piece of evidence, this research indicates neglected hearing loss can result in or worsen mental decline including dementia.

So what does this indicate for you? It’s very simple in some ways: if you’ve been noticing any potential signs of hearing loss, make an appointment with us as soon as you can. And you really should begin using that hearing aid as directed if you find out you need one.

When You Wear Them Regularly, Hearing Aids Can Forestall Dementia

Regrettably, not everybody falls right into the practice of wearing a prescribed pair of hearing aids. Some of the reasons why are:

• The hearing aid doesn’t feel like it works as advertised. Many people need to have their settings adjusted, and calibration problems are definitely something that can be addressed by our hearing specialists.
• The hearing aid isn’t feeling as if it fits very well. If you are having this problem, please contact us. They can fit better and we’re here to help.
• How hearing aids look concerns you. These days, we have lots of types available which might surprise you. Additionally, many hearing aid styles are manufactured to be very unobtrusive.
• Peoples voices are difficult to make out. Your brain doesn’t always instantly adapt to understanding voices. There are things we can recommend, such as reading along with an audiobook, that can help make this endeavor easier.

Obviously wearing your hearing aids is essential to your health and future mental abilities. If you’re struggling with any of the above, come see us for an adjustment. At times the answer will take patience and time, but consulting your hearing specialist to ensure your hearing aids are working for you is a part of the process.

And in light of these new findings, dealing with your hearing loss is more important than it ever has been. Hearing aids are protecting your hearing health and your mental health so it’s important to take that treatment seriously.

Hearing Aids And Dementia, What’s The Link?

So why are these two health conditions dementia and hearing loss even linked in the first place? Social solitude is the prominent theory but experts are not completely sure. Some people, when dealing with loss of hearing, become less socially active. Sensory stimulation is the foundation of another theory. All senses generate activity in the brain, and some experts theorize that losing stimulation can cause cognitive decline over time.

You hear better when you wear your hearing aid. Delivering a natural safeguard 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 slow down dementia by as much as 75%.