There are a number of expected health concerns that begin to arise as we age. One of those is hearing loss, but you might be surprised to learn that cognitive decline is also quite common, suggesting that there could be a connection between the two.
A recent meta-analysis and review examining a connection between cognitive decline and hearing loss supports the idea that both conditions are linked. The alarming conclusions of the Singapore based study, published in JAMA Neurology are significant enough to raise concerns.
Your Physicians Hearing Care team is dedicated to helping you understand both the hearing health and overall health risks you face in relation to cognitive decline and hearing loss because of how they impact your quality of life.
Here is a summary of two of the key findings that are especially noteworthy.
The Use of Hearing Technology Reduces Long-Term Cognitive Decline
“Dementia is far easier to prevent than treat, and exceedingly difficult to reverse,” says Dr. Benjamin Tan of the National University of Singapore.
Fortunately, hearing aid usage translates into a 19% reduction in long-term cognitive decline. This means that using hearing aids or electronic implants in the treatment of hearing loss has the potential to prevent the onset of cognitive decline.
- Hearing aid usage translates into a 19% reduction in long-term cognitive decline. 19%
The Use of Hearing Technology Can Slow Down the Progression of Existing Cognitive Decline
If you’re already experiencing mild cognitive impairment, known as early dementia, the use of hearing aids or electronic implants reduces the risk of your dementia progressing by about 20%.
Consequently, even if you began to develop cognitive decline before you sought treatment and began using hearing aids, you can still prevent long-term dementia from advancing to its most devastating degree.
- The use of hearing aids or electronic implants reduces the risk of your dementia progressing 20%
How Does This Study Impact Hearing Health?
Just like hearing loss, cognitive decline has the potential to severely limit your active and independent lifestyle as you continue to age.
Just as routine eye exams, dental checkups, cholesterol and blood pressure screenings, and annual physicals help prevent major health problems through early treatment, regular hearing tests are your first line of defense against cognitive decline and dementia.
A quick, easy, and noninvasive hearing test allows you to get ahead of hearing health issues as well as prevent the development and/or advancement of dementia.
Physicians Hearing Care has been delivering advanced, experienced, and results-driven hearing care to individuals just like you throughout Eastern Tennessee since 1976.
Our team of hearing care professionals fully understands the consequences of untreated hearing loss and we are committed to ensuring that both your hearing and your cognitive well-being remain intact for years to come.
Contact us to “Schedule a Hearing Assessment” by using the adjacent button or give us a call at the Physicians Hearing Care clinic near you.
