Hearing loss is typically accepted as simply another part of the aging process: as we age, we start to hear things a little less clearly. Maybe we start turning up the volume on the TV or keep asking our grandkids to speak up when they’re talking to us, or perhaps we begin forgetting things?
Loss of memory is also often regarded as a standard part of aging because the senior population is more susceptible to Alzheimer’s and dementia than the general population. But is it possible that there’s a link between the two? And is it possible to safeguard your mental health and manage hearing loss at the same time?
The link between mental decline and hearing loss
Most people don’t connect hearing loss with cognitive decline and dementia. But if you look in the right places, you will discover a clear connection: studies reveal that there is a considerable 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 have hearing loss also frequently have mental health issues like 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 affect cognitive decline?
There is a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, and though there’s no solid proof that there’s a direct cause and effect relationship, experts are investigating some persuasive clues. They have pinpointed two main situations that they believe result in issues: the inability to socialize and your brain working overtime.
Studies have demonstrated that anxiety and depression are often the result of loneliness. And when people have hearing loss, they’re less likely to interact socially with others. Many people who suffered from hearing loss find it’s too difficult to participate in conversations or can’t hear well enough to enjoy things like going to the movies. Mental health issues can be the result of this path of isolation.
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 responsible for other tasks, like holding memories, has to use some of its resources to help the part of the brain responsible for hearing. This overtaxes the brain and causes cognitive decline to set in much faster than if the brain could process sounds normally.
How to stop cognitive decline with hearing aids
Hearing aids are our first weapon against mental decline, mental health issues, and dementia. Research shows that patients improved their cognitive functions and were at a lower risk of developing dementia when they used hearing aids to combat their hearing loss.
If more people wore their hearing aids, we might 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 suffer from 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 begin hearing better – and remembering things without any issue? Get on the path to better hearing and improved mental health by calling us for a consultation.
References
https://hearinghealthfoundation.org/blogs/protecting-your-hearing-means-protecting-your-mental-health
