Do you have fights at home because of the loud TV? Is the volume too loud for an elderly person in your home? Or do you have to ask "What did you just say?" over and over again when someone is talking? While these may seem like common things, hearing loss can be more serious than we think. Recent research suggests that there is a strong link between hearing loss and dementia , a condition that comes with aging.
We think that hearing loss is a minor problem. But it's not. Research has now found that hearing loss is a major risk factor for dementia, but one that we can change. Imagine, 7% of dementia patients worldwide, or 7 out of 100 people, have hearing loss as the main cause of the condition. Of the approximately 10 million new cases of dementia each year, only 700,000 are said to have a hearing problem as their primary cause.
But there's good news. Scientists are now investigating whether early treatment of hearing problems can prevent the risk of dementia. The results are promising. By identifying your hearing loss early and using solutions like hearing aids , you can reduce the risk of your mental health deteriorating.
How is hearing loss actually related to dementia?
On average, about one in six people has some degree of hearing loss. By the age of 70, this number rises to two in three. However, not everyone with hearing loss develops dementia. However, if you have hearing loss, your risk of developing dementia is higher than others .
One study found that, compared with people with normal hearing, people with mild hearing loss were twice as likely to develop dementia, those with moderate hearing loss were three times as likely, and those with severe hearing loss were five times as likely.
According to Dr. Frank Lin, an expert in this field, hearing loss alone has a greater impact on dementia than diabetes, smoking, and high blood pressure combined.
Okay, now you're probably wondering, "How are these two connected?" Although experts still don't know the exact cause, they believe there are three main causes. These are the reasons why hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline and dementia.
| Reason | Simply explained |
|---|---|
| Competition for brain resources | When your ears can't hear clearly, your brain has to work harder to make sense of the unclear sounds. Think of your brain as a computer. When it uses too much of your brain power for this task, it doesn't have enough brain power for other important tasks like memory, thinking, and decision-making. |
| Brain Atrophy | Just as unused muscle tissue in our bodies weakens, when signals from the ear are not received properly, the parts of the brain involved in processing sound are not stimulated. As a result, that brain tissue begins to shrink (atrophy) over time. This rapidly deteriorates brain function. |
| Social Isolation | When you lose your hearing, you tend to avoid places where people are talking, avoid parties, and stay home. Because you feel embarrassed and embarrassed because you can't hear what others are saying. This loneliness, or social isolation, is another major risk factor for dementia. |
Can hearing aids protect against dementia?
Yes, there's a good chance that it will. Research shows that if you have a hearing loss, using a hearing aid can protect against dementia.
In one study, people with moderate to severe hearing loss and a high risk of dementia were given hearing aids. The other group was given only general health advice. After three years, the decline in brain function in those who used hearing aids was about 50% less than in the control group!
This means that using hearing aids can help slow down the rate of brain degeneration and delay, or even prevent, the development of dementia.
It's very simple. When you put in a hearing aid, you start to hear clearly. Then your brain doesn't have to work as hard to understand sounds. Also, because you hear better, you talk better to other people and become more social. All of this is very good for brain health.
But here's an important thing. It's hard to reverse damage that has already been done to the brain by putting in hearing aids. That means it's hard to bring back lost memory. But it can slow down further deterioration.
That's why it's important to treat a hearing problem as soon as possible.
If you have a hearing loss, what can you do to reduce your risk?
The first step to protecting your brain health is to recognize your hearing loss as early as possible. Sometimes the signs of this are very subtle. For example, if you have to lean forward a little to hear what is being said in a crowded place, that could also be a sign.
You can quickly identify this condition by following these steps:
- Pay attention to your hearing: Do you always turn up the volume while watching TV? Do you often ask other people, "What did they say?"? Be careful about things like this.
- Get your ears checked regularly: Experts say it's a good idea to get your ears checked (hearing test) at least every 10 years until you're 50, and every 3 years after age 50. You can ask your doctor for advice on this.
- Don't be afraid of hearing aids: If you have a hearing loss, talk to your doctor about hearing aids. Unlike in the past, these are now much more advanced, less expensive, and easier to get.
- Don't be shy about wearing them: Some people think they look old and worn out. But today's hearing aids are so small, some of them are barely visible. They're so comfortable that you'll forget you're wearing them.
So, if you or a loved one in your household feel that they have a slight hearing loss, don't ignore it. Talk to a doctor about it and take the necessary steps. It will be the biggest investment you can make not only for your ears, but also for the health of your brain.
Take-Home Message
- Hearing loss is one of the main modifiable risk factors for dementia.
- When you lose your hearing, the risk of dementia increases due to factors such as the brain having to work harder to understand sounds, shrinkage of brain areas, and social isolation.
- If you have hearing problems, research has shown that wearing hearing aids can reduce the rate of brain function decline by about 50%.
- Take care of your hearing. Get regular medical checkups and, if necessary, get hearing aids. This will help protect your brain's long-term health.
- If you have any concerns regarding this, do not hesitate to consult your family doctor (doctor) for advice.
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