Hearing loss is more about overall health than just sounds. It can affect day to day lifestyles and even mental health. Hearing loss is a chronic condition that affects nearly two-thirds of adults aged 70 or older in the United States.
A recent study from John Hopkins reports Hearing Loss is linked to Dementia, falls, and walking problems. The report show that 52% of untreated hearing loss had a greater risk of developing dementia, 41% risk of depression, and 30% risk of falls. Diabetes has been linked to hearing loss in nationally representative study, as well. Beltone is working to help patients understand the impacts hearing loss can have and the solutions that are readily available.
Understanding The Link Between Dementia And Hearing Loss
Dementia is known as a medical condition that is earmarked by trouble with thinking, problem-solving, mental tasks, and memory loss. Studies have shown that those who experience mild to severe hearing loss are two to five times more likely to develop dementia over a 10-year period. While there is no clear medical link other than the studies proving the connection, physicians are making qualified hypotheses about why there is a connection.
Why Does Dementia Result From Hearing Loss
The first theory behind this connection is that people who experience hearing loss tend to feel more isolated from the world around them. It's very difficult for them to join in conversations or be social with other people when they can't hear. This lonely feeling of isolation can help to speed up the natural process of mental decline.
Alongside this theory, there are others that believe the lack of hearing causes the brain to overwork to hear sounds. This draws its attention away from resources that could assist them in completing other activities. Also, the nerves that send signals to the brain when sounds are heard decline as hearing declines. This results in the brain not working to its fullest potential.
How Can Hearing Aids Help Reduce The Risks Of Dementia?
Hearing aids are a great way to reduce the risk of developing dementia. Dementia tends to be brought on by the feelings of social isolation and malfunction of the brain hearing sounds properly. When you utilize hearing aids, you're essentially allowing your brain to function correctly.
When you can hear those around you, you're at a lower risk for developing feelings of social isolation from others. Your brain isn't working harder to hear sounds as your hearing aids are allowing you to hear them at their natural tone. Lastly, your nerves will be back to functioning as normal when sounds are present. All three of these enhancements due to the help of hearing aids can greatly reduce your risk of developing dementia as you age.
At Beltone hearing tests are always done at no charge, and they have all board certified hearing specialists to do the testing and any needed after care, including programming, cleaning, checking routine maintenance about every three months, always done at no charge.
"We're also doing all we can now to keep people healthy during the pandemic including making sure our facilities are sterilized every day and following every guideline and precaution," said President Perry Ebel.
And as May is Better Hearing Month, Beltone is celebrating by giving a pair of Hearing Aids away to someone in need, a tradition they have carried on each year.
To enter, people should submit the following:
- Your Name
- Person you are nominating and their phone number
- Why they should be chosen for the hearing aids
All submissions can be sent to customerservice@beltonetn.com through May 22. The winner will be announced by May 27.
Beltone provides their patients with free hearing tests, free hearing aid adjustments, free cleanings, and free in-office repairs. A Beltone patient can get their cleanings, adjustments, and in-office repairs at any of the 1,800 Beltone's in the nation at no charge. With 80 years of experience, Beltone goes above and beyond for their patients. Call today for a free consultation and hearing test.
Noteworthy:
52% of untreated hearing loss had a greater risk of developing dementia, 41% risk of depression, and 30% risk of falls.
For more information:
To learn more, visit beltonesouth.com.