Is there a neurocognitive benefit to wearing hearing aids?
You may have heard that hearing loss can lead to a cognitive decline, but did you also know that recent research has shown wearing hearing aids may reverse cognitive decline? Recent studies of individuals who have had memory loss as they age and then started wearing hearing aids have shown some memory improvement.
What is the link between hearing loss and cognitive decline?
Age-related hearing loss is linked with cognitive decline because when people experience hearing loss, they have to put in a lot more effort to replace the missing sounds to link everything together. When a person with hearing loss has a conversation, they may miss parts of words or even entire phrases, completely changing what the other person in the conversation is saying. The brain has to work extra hard to piece together the parts that the deaf or hard of hearing person missed, which over time, can lead to cognitive decline, and even structural or functional brain changes.
How can hearing aids help reverse cognitive decline?
When someone is hearing impaired and showing signs of a cognitive decline, wearing your hearing aids will help because you won’t be missing sounds and parts of conversations. When hearing aids are worn during the daytime hours, it will slowly improve the signals sent to your brain. The more you wear your hearing aids, the more your brain will expect how to handle the signals it receives. During recent studies, researchers found that cognitive changes typically occur after hearing loss. So, by wearing your hearing aids regularly, you can improve any cognitive changes that may have occurred due to aging or your hearing loss.
Additional Information
To read a recent study, click the link: Cortical Neuroplasticity and Cognitive Function in Early-Stage, Mild-Moderate Hearing Loss: Evidence of Neurocognitive Benefit From Hearing Aid Use.
If you need new hearing aids or your current hearing aids need an adjustment, contact Sound Hearing Care to schedule an appointment at one of our four convenient locations in Simpsonville, Greer, Travelers Rest, and Greenville.