Studies into the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline have increased in recent years. Memory, attention, and executive function can all be affected by hearing loss, which can lead to a drop in total cognitive performance. In addition, a decrease in cognitive functioning may also make it hard to understand what you hear.
Understanding the complicated link between hearing loss and cognitive decline is important now more than ever, especially if you or a loved one are experiencing one or the other. This article will explore the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. We will also explore the need for early detection and treatment and what you can do to support healthy hearing and cognitive well-being.
The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline
Thanks to numerous studies, there is strong evidence that points to a link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. One study followed 639 people for almost 12 years to assess how their hearing loss affected their cognitive capabilities. It was found that even mild hearing loss affects cognitive functioning, nearly doubling the risk for dementia. While studies are ongoing to understand precisely why the two are connected, a few things stand out as an explanation. Consider the following links:
Cognitive Load
People with hearing loss often have difficulty understanding words and figuring out what they hear. This makes the brain work harder to fill in the blanks and figure out what’s going on since the auditory information is incomplete. Hearing loss makes remembering certain things, focusing, and solving problems harder. Over time, this may lead to a decrease in cognitive abilities. This situation only increases the frustrations that people with hearing loss might already feel, causing them to withdraw from activities they once enjoyed.
Social Isolation and Depression
If hearing loss isn’t handled, it can make it hard to communicate, which can make it hard to spend time with other people. This separation can make a person feel lonely, depressed, and less mentally stimulated. Studies have shown that staying socially active and keeping your mind active is important for keeping your brain healthy and preventing cognitive loss. Completing an evaluation is critical if you or a loved one are concerned about hearing loss. Working with an experienced audiologist team helps you understand the issue and what steps should be taken to move forward.
Brain Structure and Function
Studies using neuroimaging methods have shown that people with hearing loss have also had changes to their brain structure and functioning. These changes could affect the auditory complex, the part of the brain that handles sound, along with other parts of the brain that deal with memory and thinking. When the auditory system receives less information, it affects how the brain works in general and could lead to a link to cognitive decline.
Shared Root Causes
Hearing loss and cognitive decline may have some of the same root causes, leading to less blood and oxygen flow and possibly damaging the brain’s neural networks. When this happens, the brain may lose some of its ability to process knowledge.
Cognitive Reserve
You can think of cognitive reserve as your brain’s ability to develop new ideas and find new ways to do things. It shows how quickly and easily your brain can use skills and abilities to solve problems and deal with obstacles. Cognitive reserve is built up over a lifetime of learning.
According to research, those with more cognitive reserve can better fend off the signs of the degenerative brain changes linked to dementia or other brain disorders like Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, or a stroke. However, as hearing loss gets worse and cognitive demands rise, a person’s cognitive reserve may be used up, making them more likely to experience cognitive decline.
As researchers continue to understand how hearing loss and cognitive decline are linked, ways to lessen the effects are also being explored. First and foremost, early detection is key. The thought of struggling with either issue is scary for anyone, but the issue will only worsen without taking proper steps to deal with the problem. It’s vital to talk with our team at Eldorado Hearing to gain the support you need.
Gaining Support Through Early Detection and Treatment
Diagnosing and treating hearing loss as soon as possible, with support from loved ones and qualified hearing specialists, is critical to lowering the chance of cognitive decline. Once hearing loss is determined, we can suggest a treatment plan to assist you in navigating your hearing loss, such as finding the proper hearing aids.
By taking care of hearing loss early, you can improve your ability to hear and understand sounds, decreasing the strain on your brain. And with better hearing, the brain’s resources can be used for other things, which generally leads to better cognitive function. Also, handling hearing loss will help reinvigorate your social and mental well-being. You’ll be able to contribute to conversations again, participate in social events, and keep in touch with the people who mean the most to you. Increasing your socialization can strengthen your cognitive reserves and keep cognitive loss at bay.
Assess Your Hearing Loss Today
Now more than ever, finding and treating hearing loss as soon as possible is vital to keep your brain healthy and reduce the chance of cognitive decline. As studies continue, our team will stay apprised of the latest developments so we can pass on our knowledge to you. At Eldorado Hearing, we’re here to help you enjoy hearing again and get back in touch with the things that matter most. Don’t hesitate another minute. If you’re worried about your hearing, contact us today.
info@ElDoradoHearing.com
Leave a Reply