Untreated Hearing Loss and You

In the last several years, research studies have been conducted on the impact of hearing loss on aging, in particular the aging of the brain. Audiologists have long suspected that hearing loss left untreated could lead to social isolation, depression, decline in quality of life, and ultimately cognitive decline. Hearing is an important connection to the world and hearing loss can interfere in not so obvious ways. 

Untreated hearing loss is becoming more and more of a health concern in the United States. The average person with hearing loss waits 7 years to get help with their hearing. The average here is interesting because the actual numbers indicate people either seek care for their hearing within the first 18 months or wait until nearly 10 years. During that time, a person’s hearing may continue to change and communication areas of the brain receive less and less input. Several studies in the last 5 years have looked at the rate of cognitive decline as it relates to hearing loss. 

Hearing and communication is a task that requires significant effort from the brain. When hearing loss is present the resources of the brain are strained with additional listening effort and efforts to try to understand what is being said from other context. Researchers have found that the cognitive load on the brain reduces other functioning tasks and can reduce mental acuity, speed, and can lead to overall reduction in brain function and ability over time due to the increased strength from hearing loss.It also appears that just like a muscle connections in the brain that are not used or receive less stimulation will shrink and become less robust. Researchers have suggested that providing a clear good signal to the brain can keep these pathways healthy thus preserving communication and allowing the brain to dry resources to other functions keeping the overall state healthy.

Researchers have found hearing loss can affect the overall well-being of a person. Hearing loss is associated with accelerated cognitive decline and emotional distress leading to depression. Those with hearing loss tend to avoid social situations given the difficulty of communicating and the frustration of having to ask others to repeat constantly. Being able to hear clearly and understand conversation allows for people to continue to remain active in social circles and to enjoy the company of others.

So what to do?  Are you or someone you care about asking others to repeat frequently what has been said? Are you or someone you care about listening to the television at a loud level and yet still having difficulty following the dialogue? If so, it is time to visit with an audiologist. Visiting with an audiologist and establishing a baseline hearing test is the 1st step in this process. A baseline hearing test not only looks at your hearing ability and acuity but is also meant to judge the overall health of your ears. Both of which are extremely important. Working with an audiologist you can determine the level of your hearing loss. During this time working with the audiologist you can also discuss better communication strategies for both you and your loved ones as well as appropriate technology to assist you in better hearing. A continued relationship with the trusted audiologist is important for the future and the overall health of your hearing and communication abilities.