Between hectic schedules and the disruptions of events, it’s all too easy to put off essential appointments, like those with a hearing specialist or for fitting hearing aids. You may even find yourself hesitating to get hearing aids altogether. However, delaying treatment for hearing loss is far more than just a mistake concerning your ears alone.
The link to cognitive decline
A clear link between mental decline and neglected hearing loss has been demonstrated by scientists and researchers. This is one reason why delaying treatment is never a good plan.
The impact on hearing
Obviously, it’s evident that delaying treatment for hearing loss isn’t helpful for maintaining your auditory health. You unintentionally cause more damage to your hearing if you put off on getting a hearing test or hearing aids if you need them.
The progression of your hearing loss will be quickened if you continuously need to crank up the volume on your devices. Hearing aids can increase particular frequencies of sound thereby slowing down the progression of hearing loss.
The link between neglected hearing loss and mental function
Your brain and your hearing are closely linked. Research indicates that untreated hearing loss can have considerable repercussions on cognitive function. Over time, mental decline can be worsened by depression and anxiety brought on by social isolation.
Moreover, prolonged neglected hearing loss causes the brain to adapt by reallocating resources from auditory processing to other functions, such as visual processing, potentially complicating the restoration of normal hearing function later on.
Navigating neuroplasticity
In this situation, neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt, can be both a friend and a foe. While it allows for flexibility and restoration, sustained neglected hearing loss can lead to significant rewiring of the brain, making it difficult to revert to previous functionality.
However, it’s not impossible to undo these effects. In both the short and the long term, using hearing aids can bring considerable benefits even if you’ve put off on getting treatment for some time.
Call us for an appointment
You should obviously find treatment as soon as you can, but even if you’ve delayed for a while, it’s not too late to seek help. If you’re ready to enjoy better hearing and stronger cognitive function, call us today for an assessment!
