Hearing loss, particularly if it is allowed to progress unchecked, can have major negative effects on an individual’s cognitive functioning and overall well-being. Because of this, untreated hearing loss and its effects on mental health have become an increasingly prominent focus of study. This is particularly important when you consider that hearing loss often occurs with aging and that older people are already at risk for mental health issues. Continue reading for a deeper look at how untreated hearing loss can affect mental health.
Untreated Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline
The gradual loss of cognitive functioning, such as memory, attention, and the ability to solve problems, is referred to as cognitive decline. Even while it may be considered a normal consequence of aging for some people, there is evidence to suggest that hearing loss may hasten the progression of this decline. Why this occurs is still being studied, although many theories, such as the cognitive load theory, exist.
The cognitive load theory is one hypothesis that can help to explain the association between hearing loss and a deterioration in cognitive abilities. When people with hearing loss have difficulty hearing and comprehending speech, this places a greater demand on their brains. Essentially, when the brain devotes additional mental resources to the processing of auditory information, it can lead to cognitive exhaustion as well as problems in other areas of cognitive functioning. Put simply, the added cognitive load is too much for the brain to handle.
Untreated Hearing Loss and Socialization
Hearing loss can also play a role in social isolation and withdrawal, which have been linked to cognitive decline. In turn, isolation can lead to a reduction in cognitive stimulation as well as an increase in feelings of loneliness, both of which have been linked to a deterioration in cognitive ability as well as the development of dementia. To understand this more, we need to consider how someone might feel if they were in a situation where they were consistently struggling to hear. After continuously asking people to repeat themselves, they may feel as if they’re a bother or embarrassed because they can’t hear. This might cause them to avoid social situations altogether, leading to the above-mentioned isolation.
Untreated Hearing Loss and the Brain’s Structure
In addition, hearing loss that is not addressed can have an immediate and direct effect on the structure and function of the brain. Researchers that used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) concluded that people with untreated hearing loss frequently demonstrate changes in the structure of their brains, including the atrophy of particular brain regions. The thought is that this occurs due to the reduction in auditory input stimulation. And if left untreated, a deficiency in auditory stimulation may result in a decline in the ability to process auditory information, which is essential for both language and cognitive function.
As you can see, untreated hearing loss, cognitive decline, and mental health seem to be interwoven, with one affecting the other and vice versa. With evidence of a strong link between the three, you might start to wonder how hearing loss impacts dementia, a group of conditions in which at least two brain processes, like memory and judgment, are affected.
Untreated Hearing Loss and Dementia
Studies are ongoing, but the results thus far support a connection between hearing loss and dementia. The most notable study was published in 2013 in the journal JAMA Internal Medicine. The study followed a group of older individuals for over six years and discovered that those with untreated hearing loss had a higher chance of being diagnosed with dementia in comparison to those who did not have hearing loss.
In a separate study that was conducted in a large population-based sample and published in 2018 in the journal JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, researchers also found that people with hearing loss are at a greater risk of acquiring dementia, and this risk persisted even after accounting for other factors like age, sex, and level of education.
It is important to keep in mind that although these studies provide evidence that hearing loss and dementia are linked, this does not establish that hearing loss causes dementia. Additional research is required to get a complete understanding of the mechanisms that underlie this link. It is probable that hearing loss and dementia have shared risk factors, such as cardiovascular disease or heredity.
Contact Eldorado Hearing and Take Action Against Untreated Hearing Loss
Despite needing more study, there is a great deal of evidence to suggest that untreated hearing loss can have a detrimental effect on cognitive function and mental health and may contribute to the development of dementia. Therefore, it is essential for those who experience hearing loss to seek treatment and interventions suited to their condition. Hearing aids, for instance, can help to enhance sounds and improve communication abilities, which may lower the cognitive load that is associated with hearing loss.
If you or a loved one are suffering from hearing loss, contact us at Eldorado Hearing today. The impact of ignoring your concerns is too great. We can assess the issue and create a customized plan so that you can start hearing and living better.
info@ElDoradoHearing.com
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