How Hearing Aids May Help Your Brain

In previous posts, we've mentioned that many researchers believe there is a connection between hearing and cognitive function. Hearing loss may contribute to serious cognitive conditions like dementia. Because the brain and ears are so dependent on one another, improved hearing is proving to impact multiple functions of the brain positively. Here are a few ways hearing aids may help your mind.

Executive Functions: Hearing aids may relieve strain the brain experiences when trying to manage hearing problems. For example, when someone is experiencing hearing loss, the brain may have to work harder to decipher between background and foreground noises. When the mind has to juggle new tasks like this, it may not perform its other duties as well, including the brain's executive functions. However, using hearing aids frees up the mind to perform normally. Hearing aids can help restore cognition lost during the period of hearing loss.

Cognitive Longevity: Hearing loss can lead to social isolation, which can increase the risk of both dementia and cognitive decline. Due to the challenges presented by navigating hearing loss in the everyday world, those experiencing this condition may find themselves avoiding certain situations and becoming socially isolated. Not only can loneliness lead to negative chemical ramifications for the brain, like an increase in stress hormones, but it can also result in cognitive decline due to a lack of necessary brain stimulation that comes from socialization. Hearing aids can combat these consequences by helping people lead more normal lives.

Balance: Better hearing can also help with balance, another crucial function of the brain. Balance is complicated and involves coordination of many sensory inputs. One of these inputs is hearing. Sound can act like an anchor to the environment. When inner ear problems disrupt sensory information transmission to the brain, a person can experience balance issue. Better hearing with hearing aids can help keep us grounded. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing hearing loss, don't delay making an appointment with an audiologist. Along with creating communication roadblocks, untreated hearing loss may cause patients other mental and physical health problems. For more tips on hearing health and additional helpful information, be sure to follow our Roanoke and Crozet Facebook pages!