How Hearing Aids Can Help Prevent Dementia

While searching for a cure for dementia and cognitive decline, researchers found that hearing loss plays a role in how quickly and severely the disease progresses. It has also been discovered that hearing aids can possibly prevent the effects of cognitive decline. Learn about the role hearing aids play in maintaining optimal brain function.
Hearing Aids Improve Brain Function
In a study of first-time hearing aid users conducted by the University of Maryland, Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, the devices were shown to help brain function in multiple ways. Before they started wearing hearing aids, participants took behavioral and cognitive tests to measure their hearing, memory, and processing speed. After using hearing aids for six months, the group took the same tests and observed:
Improved memory
Improved neural speech processing
Greater ease of listening
Hearing Aids Reduce Mental Strain
Straining to hear conversations is a sign of hearing loss. When a person puts stress on their brain to process the sounds around them, it pulls resources away from other parts of the brain, reducing abilities like memory. If this strain goes on long enough, your brain could stop being able to conduct these other functions. Wearing hearing aids limits brain strain, enhancing your memory and other important functions.
Hearing Aids Prevent Social Isolation
When people cannot process the sounds around them, they tend to avoid social situations. This isolation is a leading cause of dementia because their cognitive functions are not being used and deteriorate more quickly over time. Hearing aids can help you participate in conversations again.
Get Your Hearing Checked
The best thing you can do to make sure you are maintaining your overall health and well-being is receive regular hearing screenings in addition to your other doctor visits. Kevin Bolder, Au.D, Patrice Rifkind, Au.D. and John Davis, Au.D. are three of the best in Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley. Visit our website at www.AudiologyAssociates.net or stop by our office located at 23838 Valencia Blvd, Suite 100, Valencia, CA 91355 to schedule an appointment.
We are hearing healthcare excellence!