Can Hearing Aids Prevent Dementia? The Role of Amplification in Brain Health
Good brain health is so important as we age. You may take certain precautions to keep your mind sharp, like doing puzzles, learning a language, or socializing on a regular basis. But did you know your hearing health can have an effect on your brain health?
Researchers have found that hearing loss can affect how quickly and severely dementia progresses.
What’s the Connection?
The brain relies on our ability to hear in order to process information. Straining to hear conversations is a common symptom of hearing loss. Continual stress on the brain to process sounds pulls resources from other parts of the brain, reducing memory. If this strain continues, your brain could stop being able to conduct these functions altogether, increasing the risk of dementia.
How Hearing Aids Can Help
Hearing aids can help by lessening cognitive overload. In a recent study in older adults at increased risk for cognitive decline, hearing intervention slowed down loss of thinking and memory abilities by 48% over 3 years.
By providing your brain with the necessary stimuli to hear, hearing aids can lessen the cognitive load, helping keep your mind sharper and more alert. Another key reason hearing aids can help is they often provide the wearer with more confidence to socially engage in conversations. This can lead to better relationships and overall better cognitive health.
Have Your Hearing Tested
If it has been a while since you last had your hearing tested, or you have noticed a decline in your hearing abilities, it’s important to visit a professional for an up-to-date hearing evaluation. At Hearing Unlimited, we can test your hearing and help you find a solution to manage hearing loss.
Don’t let untreated hearing loss affect your cognitive health. Schedule an appointment with Hearing Unlimited today! We offer comprehensive hearing services for the people of Monroeville, Pittsburgh, and the surrounding areas.
Experience your best health yet, schedule your appointment now!
