According to the HLAA (Hearing Loss Association of America), two-thirds of the American population will suffer from hearing loss by the time they reach age 70. For elder adults, their hearing loss may also contribute to cognitive decline disorders such as dementia. Those who suffer from hearing loss must put more effort into listening and trying to understand sounds and conversation. This, in turn, takes away from the brain’s allocated energy used to store information causing memory to deteriorate and dementia to take root at an accelerated pace.
A study conducted by Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore revealed that 24% of people with hearing loss severe enough to interrupt conversation suffered from diminishing cognitive function in the years after the study was conducted. The average age of the people studied was 77, which further solidifies the link between hearing loss and diminished brain functionality. In a similar test conducted years later, people were monitored over the course of 12-18 years, and the results clearly showed a link between severe hearing loss and dementia.
Fortunately, for hearing loss sufferers who have a higher risk of developing dementia and other cognitive disorders, there is help. More recent studies have shown that actively treating hearing loss is beneficial in delaying and combating symptoms of dementia. For example, investing in proper hearing aids will help your brain work less to hear and ultimately have more mental flexibility.
If you or a loved one is suffering from hearing loss, it is never too late to get help. Our team of experts is always ready to take your call and help you change your quality of life for the better. Contact us today!
