New Studies Show the Link Between Hearing Aid Use and Improved Cognitive Health.
New Study Spotlights Hearing Aids in Fight Against Dementia.
What do you want age 80 to look like? 70? Or 60? Too often, people assume that they cannot control what happens to their future selves and that certain things like dementia or hearing loss are simply part of the aging process. At a glance, it makes sense why many believe this. Both dementia and hearing loss are on the rise, and according to the World Health Organization:
- An estimated 55 million-plus live with dementia
- About 10 million new cases of dementia develop annually
- Over 1.5 billion youth and adults have hearing loss
- Hearing loss may climb to over 2.5 billion by 2050
Every week, we work with clients who have been living with untreated hearing loss and who have also struggled as they watched loved ones grapple with memory loss. It doesn’t have to be this way! A proven way to prevent dementia and cognitive decline is to care for your hearing health. A recent investigation published in the U.K. medical journal, The Lancet, has found that hearing technology helped reduce the risk of cognitive decline by nearly 50%.
In the study, scientists sought to learn “whether a hearing intervention could reduce cognitive decline in cognitively healthy older adults with hearing loss.” They found in part that the combined intervention of hearing aids and audiologic counseling delayed the deterioration of thinking and memory by 48% in those at greater risk of cognitive decline.
A separate study that was released earlier in the year, and included some of the same researchers, found that hearing aid use was associated with a 32% lower prevalence of dementia among older adults with moderate or severe hearing loss.
The report, published in JAMA Network, also noted a 61% higher prevalence of dementia in that population compared to their peers who had healthy hearing.
Various theories abound on exactly why hearing loss and cognitive decline are linked or how hearing aids may help stave off dementia, but the science isn’t yet conclusive. Researchers have, however, determined that hearing loss is a potential modifiable risk factor for dementia, adding to the many benefits of optimizing your hearing health for overall wellness.
In non-scientific terms, the connection between improved hearing and reduced cognitive decline makes sense. The ability to hear decreases feelings of isolation and depression and fosters independence. Improved hearing capabilities also increase the likelihood of participation within social circles, keeping the brain active and engaged.
Regular hearing screenings are an important first step to better understanding your body and treatment options. Early detection allows you to make the best decisions for your body, and healthy hearing habits truly add up. Our team is happy to help you strategize and provide any resources you need to feel confident and empowered in your hearing health journey. The future you want at 60, 70, and 80 is possible!
If you haven’t had an update to your audiogram in over a year, click here to schedule your appointment with us!