The links between hearing loss and a host of problems have prompted research on the question of how better hearing might protect you. Research suggests that hearing aids improve overall quality of life.
Did you know?
- 42% of those aged over 50 years have hearing loss.
- 71% of people aged 70+ have a hearing loss.
About 400,000 older people live in care homes and are disproportionately affected by hearing loss, with approximately 75% of residents having a hearing problem.
Unassisted hearing loss have a significant impact on older people leading to social isolation, depression, reduced quality of life and loss of independence and mobility.
If you would like to know more about the health benefits and how hearing loss can affect your quality of life, please get in touch on 01829 824 245.
1. Hearing loss and cognitive decline
Several studies have linked untreated hearing loss to an increased risk of developing dementia and reduced cognitive functioning. The decline appears greatest for those who do not wear hearing aids to correct hearing loss.
Scientists suspect a classic feedback loop: Cognitive decline makes it harder to understand what you hear, and hearing loss puts a burden on your cognitive resources, leading to changes in your brain. Isolation, loneliness and depression feed into this loop as well. Loneliness can increase your risk of dementia by as much as 40% and may even be a symptom of early brain changes, as suggested by a small brain scan study.
Catching hearing loss early is important and can significantly increase your quality of life. Don’t worry, you’re not guaranteed to develop dementia because you haven’t checked your hearing or leave your hearing aids in that cute little box. But wearing hearing aids is one of the things you can do relatively easily to protect yourself against a debilitating illness as you age.
2. Hearing loss affects mental health
The effect on your social life and mood may creep up on you, especially if you can’t understand speech in a noisy environment.
Hearing loss has been linked to people isolating themselves as they feel paranoid that it is obviously, they are struggling to hear a friend or co-worker in noisy environments. People tend to find it easier to remove themselves from vulnerable situations and stay home resulting in social isolation.
