How Can Hearing Aids Usage Help Improve Brain Function Over Time?

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How Using Hearing Aids Can Improve Brain Function Over Time? 

Hearing loss can create many challenges in a person's life, including communication difficulties and social isolation. Studies have found those people with hearing loss can also increase their chances of developing dementia. Recent research shows managing auditory problems by wearing hearing aids can help reduce cognitive decline and improve brain function. 

The Link Between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline 

Hearing loss has been discovered to cause about 8% of dementia cases. Poor hearing makes the brain work harder to understand the unclear sounds sent by the ears, leaving less mental capacity for other tasks such as memory and attention. Hearing loss may also cause the brain's temporal lobe—crucial for hearing and memory—to get less stimulation. As a result, it deteriorates more quickly. 

Using Hearing Aids Can Protect Against Dementia and Improve Cognition 

Preventing progression is crucial when dealing with cognitive decline. Research has shown that long-term use of hearing aids helped lower cognitive decline by 19%. Individuals already suffering from mild cognitive impairment can also benefit from wearing hearing aids. Using these devices can reduce their risk of developing dementia.

Significant improvements in brain processing, speech-in-noise performance, and memory have also been found in hearing aid users. Hearing devices are designed to amplify sounds and manage auditory problems. Here are possible reasons why they can boost brain function:

• Hearing aids can help the ears send clearer auditory input to the brain, reducing the effort it needs to understand sounds and freeing up mental space for other cognitive functions.
• Consistent use of these devices ensures that the brain's temporal lobe receives continuous stimulation, helping maintain its neural networks.
• Hearing aids can enable individuals with hearing loss to participate in conversations and social situations more comfortably. So, they are less likely to experience social isolation, which can contribute to cognitive decline. This is due to the significant advancements in hearing aid technology. 

Long-Term Use of Hearing Aids Is Crucial To Gain Results 

The benefits of using hearing aids are most effective when used over a long period. Short-term use may not result in significant improvements, as the brain needs time to adapt to the amplified sounds and fully interpret them. A study has shown that it can take up to 12 weeks for the brain to make sense of sounds meaningfully, like associating the sound of flushing toilets with the image of one. The brain works to create new neural networks.

Consult With an Ear Expert 

If you're experiencing hearing loss, seeing an audiologist immediately is the best action. Early intervention and treatment can prevent further damage to your hearing. A doctor of audiology can evaluate your condition and recommend appropriate hearing aids.

Contact us at Queen City Ear, Nose, and Throat if you're searching for an audiologist in Charlotte, NC and Union County. We are the trusted ear care experts in the area. Call us today to schedule an appointment.