Hearing Aids Shown to Delay Dementia

The threat of age-related ailments, such as dementia, is always an issue you have to consider as you get older. Nobody wants to deal with mental health problems, which is why it’s essential to take measures to negate the impacts of growing older as soon as possible. Thankfully, new research highlights how hearing aids are excellent tools for people who experience hearing loss, regardless of age. There are several factors to consider when dealing with hearing loss, yet it appears that investing in a hearing device continues to be the best solution due to its all-around effectiveness. Continue reading to learn more about hearing aids and dementia.

What does the evidence say?

The link between hearing loss and mental health issues has been studied for a long time, with most results coming back inconclusive. However, the most recent evidence points to a concrete relationship between hearing problems and dementia, depression or anxiety. This is because the findings, made by a team using data from nearly 115,000 people over age 66, found that the rate of cognitive impairment is accelerated in dementia patients with hearing loss by between 30-50% more. However, the chances of being diagnosed with dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, is 11% lower for people who wear hearing devices. There are lots of reasons for this, but researchers put it down to these main areas:

• Hearing aids prevent a loss of social interaction
• Hearing aids promote independence and greater mental capacity
• Hearing aids can enhance brain stimulation

This is excellent news for people who experience hearing loss as there is an effective safety net that is proven to delay dementia.

Can hearing aids stop dementia entirely?

No. The research is strong in its message – hearing aids delay dementia. However, they can’t stop the process completely as there isn’t a cure yet. Still, it’s vital for people who experience hearing loss to understand the action they must take to combat the illness.

Why is it important to know?

The simple answer is that the number of people who are eligible to wear hearing devices is higher than those who rely on technology. According to the research, only 12% of men and women who receive a diagnosis from an audiologist use aids to assist their hearing. Therefore, you might fall into this category, either because you are unaware of the benefits of hearing aids or the risks of mental illnesses. While a hearing device doesn’t look like a lifesaver, it can have significant impacts on your life. For this reason, it’s well worth considering contacting a trusted audiologist to learn more about the services and solutions at your disposal.

How hearing aids help

Here are the main reasons why you should wear a hearing aid if you are diagnosed with hearing loss by a professional audiologist.

They limit cognitive decline

The reason why hearing loss can lead to dementia is due to the effects it has on the brain’s auditory areas related to speech. Atrophy occurs without a device because it’s harder to understand and formulate sentences. The good news is, the studies decrease atrophy, which means cognitive decline is far slower.

There are tons of settings

Some people take a while to get used to their devices. This is normal when you haven’t had to wear a hearing aid before. Thankfully, modern hearing equipment comes with a plethora of settings and functions to ensure the wearer can tailor the device to their requirements.

Aids are inconspicuous

Getting older is never easy. Therefore, some people decide not to wear a hearing aid because it’s a sign of their age. Manufacturers and suppliers understand this, which is why they have created ultra-sleek and compact devices that are discreet. Due to this, there’s no reason to fret about people noticing your hearing aid or for the device to get in the way of your usual social life.

People are satisfied

Mostly, hearing devices are essential because wearers are very satisfied with their performance. Ninety-one percent of people who bought them within the last year report a high level of customer satisfaction, while 90% of regular users would recommend them to friends and family members. Hearing aids not only target dementia but the best products on the market target the usual problems wearers have with devices. Are you ready to hear better today? Better hearing isn’t a world away. At Quality Hearing & Audiology Center, we specialize in making hearing aids comfortable and accessible to revolutionize your life. Call us today at (816) 205-7220 and you won’t regret it.