As more scientific resources are dedicated to understand and cure dementia, more information as to the causes of dementia are made available. One surprising piece of information which has been discovered is the strong link between dementia and hearing loss.
Hearing Loss Can Speed Up Cognitive Decline
Several studies have noted that hearing loss has contributed to faster memory decline in older adults. One of these studies followed their subjects from anywhere from 6-18 years, tracking how the progression of hearing loss that affected some of the older adults also affected their symptoms of dementia.
For those adults with only mild hearing loss, the progression of their cognitive decline was minimal. However, for those adults who had moderate or more severe hearing loss, the cognitive decline was more significant. As the older adults were otherwise healthy, the link was made between hearing loss and dementia.
Hearing Aids Proven To Assist Memory Recall
Another study has shown an exciting development when it comes to battling cognitive decline, thanks to the use of hearing devices. In the study, adults already suffering from dementia and cognitive decline were provided with cochlear implants and participated in aural rehabilitation. All these adults were suffering from profound hearing loss and cognitive decline, yet through the 12-month course of this study, these adults showed an 80% improvement in their cognitive function, thanks to the hearing rehabilitation.
A key part all the studies emphasized was the importance of taking care of your hearing loss early, rather than later. With hearing aids, you can protect yourself from many of the negative side-effects of hearing loss, including dementia. Also, the sooner hearing loss is addressed, it is less likely you will need more invasive measures to take care of your hearing loss.
Well-Fitted Hearing Aids Should Be a Priority
It isn’t enough to just have hearing aids. Like any other personal device, it is important that a person’s hearing aids are tailored to their particular needs as not all hearing aids are created with the same hearing needs in mind.
The Hearing Associates of Las Vegas make a point of providing excellent care to all our patients, both before they receive hearing aids and after, to ensure their hearing aids fit comfortably and are working correctly. For the best hearing care services in the Las Vegas area, be sure to contact us for an appointment.
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