Amidst hectic schedules and the distractions of events, it’s all too simple to put off important appointments, like those with a hearing specialist or for fitting hearing aids. You might not even get around to shopping for hearing aids at all. However, delaying treatment for hearing loss is far more than just a misstep concerning your ears alone.
Neglected hearing loss can result in a higher risk of cognitive decline
Scientists have proven a clear link between neglected hearing loss and cognitive decline. This underscores the critical importance of not holding off on treatment, as it can have negative effects on your brain function also.
The impact on hearing
If you care about the health of your hearing, it’s essential to never disregard any symptoms of hearing loss. You inadvertently cause more damage to your hearing if you put off on getting a hearing examination or hearing aids if you need them.
You may find yourself constantly boosting the volume on your various devices, exacerbating the damage to your ears and speeding up the progression of hearing loss. Hearing aids can amplify specific frequencies of sound thereby slowing down the progression of hearing loss.
The connection between untreated hearing loss and cognitive function
There’s a direct connection between your sense of hearing and your brain. Research indicates that neglected hearing loss can have considerable consequences on mental function. Social isolation, often a consequence of weakened hearing, can result in mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which in turn can exacerbate cognitive decline over time.
Also, the recovery of healthy hearing function can be complicated because neglected hearing loss will force the brain to adapt by reallocating mental resources from other functions, such as visual processes, over to auditory processes.
Navigating neuroplasticity
The brain’s remarkable ability to adapt, known as neuroplasticity, is both a friend and a foe in this situation. The brain will have a difficult time reverting back to its previous state after it rewires itself to accommodate for prolonged neglected hearing loss.
But it is possible to reverse this effect. Despite previous delays in getting treatment, using hearing aids as prescribed by a specialist can still yield significant benefits in both the short and long term.
Set up an appointment with a hearing specialist
While prompt treatment is ideal, it’s never too late to address hearing loss. If you’re ready to enjoy better hearing and stronger cognitive function, call us today for an assessment!