The Risks of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss is not only frustrating to the person who has it, but also for the friends and family who communicate with them. Past research by Johns Hopkins revealed that hearing loss is also related to falling, issues with walking and dementia. 

In a study conducted on 639 adults, for a span of approximately 12 years, Johns Hopkins expert Frank Lin, M.D., Ph. D, along with his colleagues, discovered that mild hearing loss doubled the risk of dementia. Moderate hearing loss tripled the risk of dementia, and those who had severe hearing loss were five times more likely of getting dementia.

Your Overall Health and Hearing

CAT scans can show whether hearing loss causes a faster rate of atrophy to the brain. Many who have hearing loss tend to be socially isolated, because they simply do not want to be around others. When they are around others, there may be little engagement in discussions. These are what help cause dementia.

When you walk, your ears will notice subtle cues that assist with balance. Hearing loss not only blocks these vital signs, but it causes your brain to work harder in order to process sound waves. This subconscious form of multitasking can intervene with mental processing, which is necessary in order to safely walk.    

Studies on Hearing Loss and Hearing Aids

Lin and his colleagues are determined to discover, through a new study, whether hearing aids can reduce these risks. What is known is that there are no negative aspects to wearing hearing aids. They are helpful for most people who have tried them. It allows them to have a better relationship with family and friends, and become more involved in their life again. 

About 27 million Americans who are at least 50-years-old have some range of hearing loss, but only one out of seven people actually use a hearing aid device. On average, most individuals who need hearing aids usually put off getting them for ten years. During that wait their hearing gets worse, communication with others becomes more difficult, they become more socially isolated, and their overall health worsens. 

Do not postpone getting your hearing health checked any longer. Many people don’t realize how precious their hearing is until it begins to worsen or until it’s gone.     

If you believe that your hearing has worsened recently or in the past few years, schedule an appointment with us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a free hearing test and consultation.

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