Hearing loss can produce unhealthy effects like cognitive overload, but hearing aids can help!
Numerous physical conditions can affect one’s hearing. Researchers have found that hearing loss can be linked to cardiovascular and heart disease, depression and anxiety, diabetes, and chronic kidney disease. The relationship between hearing and the body is mysterious and profound; however, one of the most important connections hearing has is with the brain. Here’s a look at how cognitive overload, among other symptoms of hearing loss, can affect one’s health.
How Hearing Loss Affects the Brain
The ears contain three main parts: the outer, the middle, and the inner ear. After sound travels through these sections, specific nerves carry it to the brain. The brain is responsible for translating sound and speech, rather than the ears themselves. When the ears begin to dysfunction over time, the following can happen:
- Cognitive overload: The brain overworks itself when it constantly strains to hear but can’t understand. When this happens, cognitive decline in the form of Alzheimer’s and dementia can occur.
- Less stimuli: On the other hand, the brain may cease to get the signals it needs to capture surrounding sounds. The brain, like a muscle, can begin to weaken and lose its ability to process information.
- Social isolation: Instead of always straining to hear what someone said, a person with hearing loss may become isolated from other people, and spend more time at home. Hearing loss makes a marked difference in how much someone can interact with those around them, especially when everyone is used to that person being able to hear. However, social isolation takes away the brain’s need to pick up sounds, and so declines at a faster rate.
What Hearing Aids Can Do to Help
Hearing aids come to the rescue as the best solution for anyone with mild to severe hearing loss. With practically restored hearing, a person can enjoy life along with family and friends as normal again. Studies have found that with hearing aids, cognitive decline was the same rate as for those without hearing loss. With hearing devices, people are less prone to depression and anxiety, and more connected with their community. If you believe you could benefit from hearing aids, Clarity Audiology is happy to give you a hearing evaluation, a cognitive health test, or both.
Trust the Experts at Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions
Need help with your hearing? Clarity Hearing can help. Clarity Audiology & Hearing Solutions is an independently owned and operated clinic that focuses on quality of care and personalized, friendly service to the surrounding areas of Ellicott City, Catonsville, Columbia. Our Doctors of Audiology are highly trained with advanced degrees and take the time to provide the personalized care and attention that you need and deserve. We provide advanced hearing aid options that are personally calibrated with cutting-edge digital technology to fit your hearing loss, your unique ear anatomy, and your individual listening needs.
You can call us today to schedule a FREE Hearing Protection Consultation at 410-698-6594! For more blog posts, news, and updates, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.