{"id":1940,"date":"2021-09-30T19:49:14","date_gmt":"2021-09-30T23:49:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hearingsc.com\/?p=1940"},"modified":"2021-09-30T19:49:14","modified_gmt":"2021-09-30T23:49:14","slug":"how-hearing-aids-can-help-your-brain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hearingsc.com\/how-hearing-aids-can-help-your-brain\/","title":{"rendered":"How Hearing Aids Can Help Your Brain"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you received a hearing test and been told you have hearing loss? If so, you most likely could benefit from hearing aids<\/a>. If you\u2019re on the fence about whether to make the investment, consider this: hearing aids may be able to help prevent or delay cognitive decline. We explore the connection below.<\/p>\n

How Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline Are Linked<\/h2>\n

\"An<\/p>\n

There is a well-established link between hearing loss and cognitive decline thanks to research from Johns Hopkins.<\/p>\n

According to a 2011 study<\/a>, those with mild hearing loss have double the risk of developing dementia, those with moderate hearing loss have triple the risk and those with severe hearing loss have a five-fold risk compared to people with normal hearing.<\/p>\n

Not only is dementia more likely for someone with hearing loss, but it can also speed up the rate of cognitive decline. A 2013 study<\/a> found that people with hearing loss experience a decline in cognitive abilities 30-40% sooner than those with normal hearing. The result is significant impairment 3.2 years sooner.<\/p>\n

How Hearing Aids Can Help<\/h2>\n

Hearing aid<\/a> usage can delay the onset of cognitive decline, according to one study<\/a> published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine <\/em>in 2020.<\/p>\n

Study participants included 99 adults between the ages of 62 and 82 who were new to hearing aids.<\/p>\n

For the study, the participants\u2019 hearing was tested both before wearing hearing aids and after 18 months of use. The researchers also collected data about speech perception, physical activity, quality of life, mood, loneliness and general health. They assessed five domains of cognitive performance as well, including psychomotor function, attention, working memory, visual learning and executive function.<\/p>\n

Executive function <\/em>refers to the cognitive tools that help us navigate through everyday life. This includes flexible thinking, working memory and self-control.<\/p>\n

After the 18 months, all participants exhibited significant improvement in speech perception and executive function. Female participants also showed improvement in working memory, visual attention and visual learning.<\/p>\n

The researchers believe the discrepancy between female and male patients is due to the fact the women wore their devices 56.3% of the time, compared to the men who wore theirs just 33.3% of the time.<\/p>\n

If you want to continue enjoying games at Arthur W. Christopher Community Center<\/a> for years to come, it\u2019s important to treat your hearing loss in order to prevent cognitive decline. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call The Hearing & Balance Center today.<\/p>\n