The Link Between Hearing Loss And Cognitive Decline

As research in the field of audiology continues to advance, it has become increasingly clear that there is a strong link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. The underlying cause of this connection is thought to be the additional cognitive effort required to process sound with a reduced capacity for hearing, which can ultimately lead to a decline in cognitive function and an increased risk of dementia. However, the good news is that early intervention for hearing loss may help mitigate the risk of cognitive decline.

By addressing hearing loss early on, individuals can potentially reduce the risk of cognitive decline, leading to a better quality of life and improved overall cognitive function. Given the significant link between hearing loss and cognitive decline, it’s crucial for individuals to seek out support and resources to help manage their hearing loss.

Signs and Symptoms of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is a health phenomenon where the ear cannot adequately interpret and transmit sounds to the brain. This can be caused by age, long exposure to loud noises or excessive earwax buildup. Symptoms of hearing loss include difficulty hearing people clearly – especially in noisy places, listening to the TV or radio at a higher volume than is usually needed or asking people to repeat themselves frequently.

The Link Between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline

Over the years, studies have shown that hearing loss has been responsible for causing or accelerating several health issues, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, depression and anxiety and even chronic kidney diseases. Experts have also established a link between hearing loss and cognitive illnesses such as Alzheimer’s and dementia.

According to researchers, there are several theories for this connection. One reason is cognitive overload. Experts believe that untreated hearing loss causes the brain to over-function as it tries to process sound and speech. This causes a decrease in the brain’s efficiency.

Another reason is the effects of social isolation. Several people experiencing hearing loss tend to avoid interacting with others as they find interactions challenging and are worried about being stigmatized. The lack of conversation and social interaction reduces stimuli for the brain, causing it to deteriorate faster and leading to cognitive issues such as dementia.

Reports have shown that children with hearing impairments often struggle with paying attention in class and have more behavioral issues than their hearing counterparts. This causes a delay in the various cognitive stages of children, such as speech and social skills.

Eating a Healthy Diet

What you eat affects every part of your body. Therefore, it is advisable to include brain-enriching foods in your diet. Green, leafy vegetables like kale, broccoli and spinach contain nutrients such as vitamin K and lutein which slow cognitive decline. Healthy unsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, berries and caffeine in tea and coffee should also be included in your diet to improve your cognitive health.

Exercise Regularly

Regular exercise is great for your health, regardless of your hearing condition. However, for people with hearing loss, exercise comes with several benefits. For instance, experts have found that increased physical activity is essential to maintain optimal brain function, reducing the risk of cognitive health issues such as memory loss. Exercise also increases the body’s happy hormones, boosting mood, enhancing sleep and managing stress and depression.

Wear Hearing Aids

Hearing aids are devices that offer assistance to persons experiencing hearing loss. This ensures you do not have to overwork or strain your brain, as sounds can be transmitted efficiently through these devices. Fortunately, there are several types of hearing aids you can choose from to ensure your comfort and suit your lifestyle.

In addition to wearing hearing aids, keep them in good condition. Clean your devices frequently to remove wax and other debris that may affect their efficiency. However, consult the manual or an audiologist to do so properly. You should also check the batteries of your hearing devices to charge or change them on time to prevent them from going off when you need them the most. A smart way to preserve your device’s battery life is by turning it off when not in use.

Visit Arkansas Professional Hearing Care

To be comfortable and avoid various health risks associated with hearing loss, you would need the services of reputable and experienced audiologists and facilities that offer top-quality services. That is where we come in! At Arkansas Professional Hearing Care, we understand the importance of optimal hearing health, so we are at your beck and call with experienced professionals and a well-equipped facility. Call us today to book your appointment at (501) 588-0177.