Over 50 million Americans experience hearing loss of some kind in their life. While it can affect people of any age or background, age-related hearing loss remains the most common cause by far. In fact, up to two in three seniors may have progressive hearing loss.
By now, you should appreciate the benefits of visiting an audiologist to seek help through hearing aids or other management tools. However, what you may not realize is that it may be a key step to protecting your cognitive health.
The link between hearing loss and cognitive decline
Audiologists and medical experts have long suspected a link between cognitive decline and hearing loss, not least because both issues are experienced at an increasingly common rate with age. Moreover, some symptoms of hearing loss are very similar to those associated with cognitive decline. For example, struggling to follow dialogue could be linked to either issue.
People with hearing loss and cognitive decline experience similar symptoms, suggesting that they can be linked. Many studies on this subject have been conducted. Researchers at Harvard found that;
- Mild hearing loss can increase the risk of subjective cognitive decline by 30%,
- Severe hearing loss can increase the risk of subjective cognitive decline by around 50%.
In short, scientific studies support the trail of thought surrounding the potential links between hearing loss and cognitive decline. In addition to being at an increased risk of experiencing cognitive decline, individuals who are hard of hearing may also encounter a faster decline.
This consequently provides an even greater incentive for anyone who experiences lost hearing to treat it ASAP.
How hearing loss affects the brain
Cognitive decline can be defined as no longer being sharp or in the right frame of mind. It can impact a person’s memory, ability to stay alert, and social skills. All of those symptoms are ultimately linked back to the brain. Therefore, to understand the link with hearing loss, it’s important to understand how lost hearing impacts the brain.
It has been shown that hearing loss can lead to a shrinkage of the brain’s auditory areas, while the gray matter responsible for muscle control and sensory perception can be impacted too. When combined with the social and confidence issues that may surface, hearing loss can change a person in many ways, including but not limited to:
- Discourage them from socializing or connecting with friends,
- Discourage them from interacting with nature and its surroundings,
- Reduced confidence and self-esteem,
- Increased stress levels,
- Reduced balance and control of other senses.
Without the auditory clues, the brain has to work harder, which can subconsciously impact its ability to do a host of other tasks. In turn, it may lead to an increased likelihood of cognitive decline.
Does healthy hearing prevent mental decline?
Healthy hearing won’t eliminate the threat of cognitive decline, but it will help protect your health. One significant study suggests that eliminating mid-life hearing loss could reduce dementia rates by up to 9% worldwide. So, healthy hearing could help prevent the early onset of cognitive decline as well as the speed of its progression.
Therefore, identifying and treating hearing loss at the earliest stage is a priority that should be considered the only way to truly regain control of the situation. Several steps can be taken to protect your hearing (and, therefore, cognitive health) on an immediate and long-term basis. They are;
- Always wear the appropriate ear defense when entering environments with loud noises above 85db,
- Listen to music on a lower setting when using headphones and always give your ears a regular break,
- Stop bad habits, such as cleaning the ears with a cotton swab,
- Visit an audiologist for a checkup every three to five years – or more frequently as you get older,
- If you need to wear hearing aids, wear them at the appropriate times and keep them in good condition,
- Book an appointment with an audiologist if you notice any changes in your hearing profile or experience signs of cognitive decline.
Both hearing loss and cognitive decline are progressive issues. So, when you experience them, early detection and management is the best way to stop it from impacting your quality of life. Keep your hearing in good health, and your mental alertness will have a better chance of following suit.
Book your hearing test today
If you have noticed any change in your hearing profile or worried about symptoms of lost hearing and potential cognitive decline, visiting an audiologist for a professional hearing test is highly advised.
Call GL Wyeno Hearing Specialists PC at (402) 463-2431 to book yours now.
