According to recent research published in JAMA Neurol hearing aids can prevent cognitive decline and dementia.
Hearing loss is considered the affect of aging or long exposure to loud noises. According to Mayo Clinic most of the hearing loss types are irreversible. The major signs might include muffling of speech, and difficulty understanding words and consonants.
3243 studies were screened and reviewed for the purpose of this research. Overall, the studies consisted of more than 250,000 participants.
Reviewing eight long-term studies with a duration ranging from 2 to 25 years conducted 126,903 participants concluded that using hearing aid decreased cognitive decline by 19%. The individuals with hearing issues using hearing aids showed lesser symptoms of cognitive decline as compared to their counterparts who did not use the hearing aid.
During the review, 11 papers showed performance boost of 3% in short-term cognitive tests when hearing aids were used. Although these results do show great benefit to the mind, the author concludes that complete cognitive benefits of hearing aids can only be established through investigations in randomized trials.
According to SF Audiology, hearing loss is also associated with other mental health issues. Hearing loss requires more focus to understand the speech and leads to mental fatigue, while also reducing gray matter in the brain. It also makes you socially awkward and makes individual prefer isolation which in turn can cause depression and anxiety.
Hearing loss is considered a modifiable factor for dementia where another research shows that it is “a promising target” in dementia prevention. There are 12 major risk factors to dementia according The Lancet Commission, and hearing impairment was listed together with excessive alcohol, smoking, obesity, inactivity, depression, diabetes, social contact, education, hypertension, air pollution and brain injury.
Speech and language communications are deeply connected with sound, and all of this is linked with memory. A newborn communicates their needs through crying or making sounds, and as adults’ speech is the most comfortable way to communicate. And all of this is ingrained in the mind.
Dementia is said to affect the ability to communicate very strongly where they might not be able to find the right words and use substitutes. Weak hearing also causes the listener to use more focus which fatigues the mind. That is why by using hearing aid will reduce the fatigue on the mind and will exercise the part of brain that stores language comprehension.
The research points out towards benefits on cognitive health of using hearing aids, but using hearing aids for the weak of hearing is better for them overall too. According to SF Audiology using a hearing aid improves balance, lowers falling risks, increases confidence, and improves focus and learning.
If you feel the symptoms mentioned above, do visit your nearest ENT specialist and start the recommended treatment. Like prescription glasses, hearing aids are also tuned to individuals needs and levels, so always consult a specialist.
References:
Hearing Aids May Help You Avoid Dementia, Study Finds
https://www.sciencealert.com/hearing-aids-may-help-you-avoid-dementia-study-finds
Dementia and language
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/symptoms-and-diagnosis/symptoms/dementia-and-language
Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(20)30367-6/fulltext
Association of Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants With Cognitive Decline and Dementia
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/article-abstract/2799139
Hearing Aids Can Help Your Mental and Cognitive Health
https://sfaudiology.com/hearing-aids-can-help-your-mental-and-cognitive-health/
Hearing loss
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hearing-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20373072