Treating your hearing loss can be helpful for your brain. At least, that’s according to a new study by a team of analysts from the University of Manchester. These researchers considered a team of more than 2000 participants over the course of nearly twenty years (1996 to 2014). The unexpected outcome? Dementia can be delayed by up to 75% by managing your hearing loss.

That is not an insignificant number.

But is it actually that surprising? That’s not to detract from the importance of the finding, of course, this is an important statistical correlation between the fight against dementia and the treatment of hearing loss. But the information we already have coordinates with these findings: treating your hearing loss is vital to slowing dementia as you get older.

What Does This Research on Dementia Mean For me?

You can’t always rely on the content presented in scientific research because it can often be inconsistent. There are many unrelated reasons for this. The main point here is: yet another piece of evidence, this research indicates neglected hearing loss can lead to or exacerbate cognitive decline including dementia.

So what does this indicate for you? In many ways, it’s pretty simple: if you’ve been noticing any potential indications of hearing loss, come see us as soon as you can. And you should begin using that hearing aid as advised if you discover you require one.

When You Wear Them Regularly, Hearing Aids Can Forestall Dementia

Sadly, 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:

• Voices are difficult to understand. In many instances, it takes time for your brain to adapt to recognizing voices again. We can suggest things to do to help make this process easier, such as reading along with an audiobook.
• The hearing aid doesn’t feel like it fits very well. If you are suffering from this problem, please get in touch with us. We can help make it fit better.
• 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.
• The way hearing aids look worries you. Today, we have lots of styles available which might amaze you. Some styles are so discreet, you might not even notice them.

Clearly wearing your hearing aids is crucial to your health and future mental abilities. We can help if you’re having difficulties with any of the above. At times the solution will take time or patience, but working with your hearing professional to make sure your hearing aids are working for you is just part of the process.

And taking into consideration these new findings, treating your hearing loss is more important than ever. Hearing aids are protecting your hearing health and your mental health so it’s essential to take that treatment seriously.

What’s The Connection Between Hearing Aids And Dementia?

So what’s the real connection between hearing loss and dementia? Social isolation is the prominent theory but scientists are not completely certain. When suffering from loss of hearing, some people hide themselves away socially. Sensory stimulation is the basis of another theory. In time, if a person loses sensory stimulation, like hearing loss, the brain gets less activity which then results in mental decline.

Your hearing aid allows you to hear better. Providing a natural safeguard for your brain against cognitive decline and helping to keep your brain active. That’s why a connection between the two should not be unexpected and why hearing loss treatments can delay dementia by up to 75%.