To Preserve a Healthy Brain for Later in Life, Hearing Aids may Help

Wearing Hearing Aids Hay Help Preserve Functioning Brain

In a new study that was conducted by the University of Exeter and King's College London, research has shown that individuals who wear hearing aids due to age-related hearing difficulties preserve a better functioning brain than those who do not wear hearing aids. 

This expands on research from the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care, which emphasized hearing loss as a major risk factor for dementia. This research proposes that wearing a hearing aid device might reduce that risk. 

The online study, known as PROTECT, researches brain health in older adults. The objective is to study how the brain ages and how to lessen the risk of dementia and other mental health issues as people grow older.  

PROTECT Study Results

The results showed evidence that those who wore an efficient hearing aid might help protect their brains and lessen the risk of dementia.

Each group of individuals, those who wore hearing aids and those who did not, had yearly cognitive tests over a two year span. After that time period, the group of people who wore hearing aid devices had better test results on working memory and elements of attention than those who did not.  

In one test that measured attention, subjects who wore hearing aids produced quicker reaction times. For example, they reacted faster when straining to hear a noise, looked closer at an object that they found interest in, or concentrated more when listening to a person speaking. 

Earlier research studies showed that hearing loss is related to a deficiency in brain function, memory, and an escalation in the possibility of dementia. This is one of the largest studies that sees the significance of wearing a hearing aid, and indicate that wearing a hearing device may keep your brain staying healthy. More research is needed to verify these results.       

It has been proved that the risk of dementia can be reduced by a third if preventative measures are taken in mid life. This research is a fundamental piece to discovering what can be done to preserve a healthy brain. The idea to take away from this is that if you are advised to wear a hearing aid, you should find the best one that works for you. 
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Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids if you, or a loved one, are in need of hearing aids. Our hearing instrument specialists will offer you a free hearing test and consultation on a variety of hearing aids to suit your needs!

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