Hearing Loss & Dementia
Reduce Dementia Risk by Addressing Hearing Loss Early
Hearing Loss & Dementia
Research performed by Johns Hopkins University and others has confirmed what many audiologists and physicians have long feared: there is an irrefutable link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Initial problems such as memory loss and an inability to concentrate can worsen over time. Left untreated, this may eventually lead to dementia and other forms of severe cognitive impairment in older adults.
It may be that the increased cognitive load the brain experiences when trying to hear properly taxes the resources that would otherwise be available for memory and concentration. Alternatively, a decrease in the brain’s “gray matter” may lead to a shrinkage in brain cells and a resulting inability to process sound. Another factor may be the social isolation many individuals with hearing loss experience; this lack of socialization has been shown to accelerate cognitive decline and dementia.
Hearing Aids Can Help
The good news is that hearing aids can help. Studies show that patients who treat their hearing loss with hearing devices reduce their odds of cognitive decline and, at the very least, delay the onset of dementia. Maintaining good brain health is a key reason to manage hearing loss early at the first signs and stay proactive of your hearing ability.
Socialization is also a key factor in delaying cognitive decline as conversations are important for healthy brain function. With hearing aids, individuals often feel more confident to rejoin the conversation and stay socially active.
Don’t let untreated hearing loss affect your relationships and brain health. Hearing aids are shown to greatly improve quality of life by allowing you to hear the sounds around you and provide your brain with the stimulation it needs to stay healthy. Start hearing better today by contacting the professionals at Georgia Hearing Center at ENT of Athens!