Hearing loss is generally accepted as simply a normal part of getting older: as we age, we start to hear things a little less clearly. 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 perhaps we begin to forget things?
Loss of memory is also often regarded as a natural part of aging as dementia and Alzheimer’s are far more common in the senior citizen population than in the younger population at large. But what if the two were in some way related? And, even better, what if there was a way to manage hearing loss and also preserve your memories and mental health?

Hearing loss and cognitive decline

Mental decline and dementia aren’t typically associated with hearing loss. Nevertheless, the link is very clear if you look in the right places: if you have hearing loss, even at low levels, studies have revealed there’s a significant risk of developing dementia or cognitive decline.
Mental health problems including anxiety and depression are also fairly prevalent in people who suffer from hearing loss. The key point here is that hearing loss, mental health problems, and cognitive decline all impact our ability to socialize.

Why is cognitive decline impacted by hearing loss?

There is a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, and though there’s no solid proof that there is a direct cause and effect relationship, experts are looking at some persuasive clues. They think two main situations are responsible: your brain working extra hard to hear and social solitude.
Many studies show that isolation leads to anxiety and depression. And people aren’t as likely to socialize with other people when they have hearing loss. Many individuals find it hard to go out to the movies or dinner because they can’t hear very well. Mental health problems can be the result of this path of solitude.

Additionally, researchers have found that the brain often has to work overtime to make up for the fact that the ears don’t hear as well as they should. The part of the brain that’s responsible for understanding sounds, like voices in a conversation, requires more help from other parts of the brain – specifically, the part of the brain that keeps our memories intact. This overworks the brain and causes mental decline to set in a lot faster than if the brain could process sounds normally.

How to fight cognitive decline with hearing aids

Hearing aids are our first weapon against cognitive decline, mental health problems, and dementia. Research has revealed that patients improved their cognitive functions and were at a decreased risk of developing dementia when they used hearing aids to combat their hearing loss.
If more people used their hearing aids, we may see fewer instances of mental health problems and cognitive decline. Between 15% and 30% of individuals who require hearing aids actually use them, which accounts for between 4.5 million and 9 million people. The World Health Organization estimates that there are almost 50 million people who cope with some form of dementia. For many individuals and families, the quality of life will be enhanced if hearing aids can decrease that number by even a couple million people.
Are you ready to begin hearing better – and remembering things without any problems? Get in touch with us today and schedule a consultation to learn whether hearing aids are right for you and to get on the path to better mental health.

Call Today to Set Up an Appointment

References

https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/blogs/protecting-your-hearing-means-protecting-your-mental-health