Aging is the most common cause of hearing loss, affecting 1 in 3 seniors over 65 years old and half of those 75 and older. Because of the prevalence of the condition it is a good idea to ask your doctor to check you annually as you reach this age bracket. You may think that hearing loss is just an ear issue but it actually can affect every aspect of your life including raising your risk of developing dementia.
The Health Effects of Untreated Hearing Loss
Communication plays a very important role in our total health. When we can’t hear our loved ones, constant miscommunications can develop into a source of major resentment. The precious relationships you have with your partner, relatives, children and friends can start to unravel if hearing loss isn’t taken seriously.
This can lead to depression, anxiety around strains in communication, insomnia and often people choose to isolate rather than subject themselves to the stress of poor communication. Not only do your personal relationships suffer but your professional ones as well. People with hearing loss are more likely to be skipped over for promotion and raises, or to be unemployed all together.
This can create a big hit to your self-esteem and sense of independence. People are less likely to stay active and social and this can lead to even more serious problems down the road. Living with hearing loss puts you at a much higher risk for accident, as you are often less aware of your surroundings. This can be a serious health complication as we age and are not able to heal as quickly.
Hearing Loss and Dementia
When we self isolate due to social stress connected to hearing loss, we put our brain health in jeopardy. Social interaction is important to our emotional and mental health, especially as we age.
As untreated hearing loss inevitably becomes more severe our brains receive less and less information, the parts of our brain used for hearing begins to atrophy. Researchers at Johns Hopkins have found that this puts us at a higher risk for developing dementia. Dr. Frank Lin has published several studies documenting links between hearing loss and dementia. Dr. Lin’s research documents how people with hearing loss struggle far more than those with health hearing, with memory problems, concentration and planning skills. These sadly are symptoms that can progress into dementia if ignored.
The Effect of Hearing Loss on the Brain
As hearing loss progresses parts of the brain used for hearing become inactive creating what is referred to as “brain shrinkage” or atrophy. This allows for brain tissue to break down and parts of the brain to shut down. On top of this, a stressed brain that is operating with limited audio information will have to work overtime to piece together information.
This can create instances of brain overload. This is what Dr. Lin’s team suspects creates a higher risk of developing dementia. The worse a case of hearing loss is the higher the risk. A person’s risk of developing dementia with mild hearing loss is twice as likely. The risk increases three-fold for those with moderate hearing loss, and five-fold for those with an acute hearing impairment.
Treat Your Hearing Loss
While these findings are alarming there is good news. Dr. Lin has found that people who used hearing aids to treat their hearing loss lowered the risk of developing dementia significantly.
While most cases of hearing loss are irreversible, hearing aids amplify the specific sounds, tones and pitches that you may be struggling with, so you can hear them again. This makes it much easier for you to hear the sounds around you and the people you care about. You will be more able to stay socially engaged, able to regain a sense of independence and regain greater mobility due to enhanced hearing ability.
If you suspect you have a hearing loss, don’t make the mistake of avoiding or ignoring your condition before it’s too late. Make an appointment with us today. We can help diagnose your particular type of hearing loss and help you find the best solution to keep you hearing healthy and thinking clearly for years to come.