As we get older we begin to have trouble hearing clearly and we typically just accept it as a normal part of the aging process. Maybe we need to ask people to speak up or repeat themselves when they talk. Maybe the volume on our TV keeps getting louder. We may even notice that we’re becoming forgetful.
Loss of memory is also commonly seen as a normal part of aging because the senior population is more prone to Alzheimer’s and dementia than the younger population. But is it possible that there’s a connection between the two? And could it be possible to maintain your mental health and address hearing loss at the same time?
Hearing loss and cognitive decline
Most people don’t connect hearing loss with cognitive decline and dementia. But if you look in the appropriate places, you will discover a clear link: studies reveal that there is a substantial risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-like conditions if you also have hearing loss – even at fairly low levels of hearing impairment.
Individuals who cope with hearing loss also often deal with mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. The key point here is that hearing loss, mental health issues, and cognitive decline all influence our ability to socialize.
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’s a direct cause and effect relationship, experts are investigating some persuasive clues. They have identified two main situations that they think lead to problems: your brain working harder to hear and social solitude.
Many studies show that loneliness brings about anxiety and depression. And when people suffer from hearing loss, they’re not as likely to interact socially with other people. Many individuals with hearing loss find it’s too difficult to carry on conversations or can’t hear well enough to enjoy things like the movie theater. Mental health issues can be the result of this path of solitude.
Studies have also revealed that when somebody has hearing impairment, the brain has to work extra hard to make up for the diminished stimulation. Eventually, the part of the brain in charge of other tasks, like remembering, has to use some of its resources to help the region of the brain responsible for hearing. Mental decline will then progress faster than normal as the overtaxed brain strains to keep up.
How to prevent mental decline with hearing aids
Hearing aids are our first line of defense against cognitive decline, mental health problems, 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 combat their hearing loss.
We would see fewer instances of cognitive decline and mental health issues if more individuals would just use their hearing aids. Of all the people who require hearing aids, only between 15% and 30% actually use them, that’s between 5 and 9 million people. Almost 50 million people cope with dementia as reported by the World Health Organization estimates. If hearing aids can decrease that number by even just a couple of million people, the quality of life for many individuals and families will improve exponentially.
Are you ready to improve your hearing and maintain your memory at the same time? Contact us today and schedule a consultation to find out if hearing aids are right for you and start moving toward better mental health.
References
https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/blogs/protecting-your-hearing-means-protecting-your-mental-health