As we get older we start to have difficulty hearing clearly and we normally just accept it as a normal part of aging. Perhaps we begin to turn up the volume on the TV or keep asking our grandchildren to speak up when they’re talking to us, or maybe we begin forgetting things?
Memory loss is also normally regarded as a normal part of aging as dementia and Alzheimer’s are far more widespread in the senior citizen population than in the general population at large. But what if the two were in some way related? And, even better, what if there was a way to treat hearing loss and also safeguard your memories and mental health?
Hearing loss and mental decline
Cognitive decline and dementia are not usually associated with hearing loss. However, the connection is quite clear if you look in the right places: studies show that there is a substantial risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-like conditions if you also suffer from hearing loss – even at relatively low levels of hearing impairment.
Individuals who cope with hearing loss also frequently deal with mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Your ability to socialize is impacted by cognitive decline, mental health problems, and hearing loss which is the common thread.
Why does hearing loss impact cognitive decline?
There is a link between hearing loss and mental decline, and though there’s no concrete proof that there is a direct cause and effect association, experts are investigating some compelling clues. They believe two main situations are responsible: your brain working extra hard to hear and social separation.
Studies have revealed that anxiety and depression are frequently the result of loneliness. And people aren’t as likely to socialize with others when they cope with hearing loss. Many people find it hard to go out to the movies or dinner because they can’t hear very well. These actions lead down a path of isolation, which can bring about mental health problems.
Studies have also revealed that when somebody has hearing impairment, the brain has to work extra hard to compensate for the diminished stimulation. The part of the brain that processes sounds, such as voices in a conversation, requires more help from other parts of the brain – namely, the part of the brain that keeps our memories intact. Cognitive decline will then progress faster than normal as the overworked brain struggles to keep up.
How to prevent mental decline with hearing aids
Hearing aids are our first weapon against mental decline, mental health issues, and dementia. Research has revealed that patients improved their cognitive functions and were at a reduced risk of developing dementia when they used hearing aids to deal with their hearing loss.
If more people used their hearing aids, we might see fewer instances of mental health problems and cognitive decline. Of all the people who need hearing aids, only between 15% and 30% actually use them, that’s between 5 and 9 million people. The World Health Organization estimates that there are nearly 50 million people who cope with some form of dementia. For many people and families, the quality of life will be improved if hearing aids can decrease that number by even a couple million people.
Are you ready to start hearing better – and remembering things without any problems? Get on the path to better hearing and improved mental health by calling us for an appointment.
References
https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/blogs/protecting-your-hearing-means-protecting-your-mental-health
