Between hectic schedules and the distractions of events, it’s all too simple to put off essential appointments, like those with a hearing specialist or for a hearing aid fitting. You may even find yourself hesitating to get hearing aids altogether. However, putting off on treatment for hearing loss is far more than just a mistake concerning your ears alone.
The connection to mental decline
A clear link between mental decline and untreated hearing loss has been demonstrated by scientists and researchers. This underscores the crucial importance of not delaying treatment, as it can have negative effects on your brain function too.
Hearing loss will worsen if it goes untreated
Naturally, it’s evident that putting off treatment for hearing loss isn’t conducive to preserving your auditory health. By avoiding appointments with a hearing specialist or holding off on the purchase of hearing aids, you inadvertently subject your ears to further damage.
The development of your hearing loss will be accelerated if you constantly need to crank up the volume on your devices. Wearing a hearing aid can help mitigate this by selectively amplifying particular frequencies, thereby slowing down the progression of hearing loss.
The link to cognitive function
Your brain and your hearing are intricately linked. Cognitive function can be severely impacted by untreated hearing loss according to some significant research. Social solitude, frequently a consequence of diminished hearing, can lead to mental health issues including depression and anxiety, which in turn can worsen cognitive decline over time.
Moreover, long-term neglected hearing loss prompts the brain to adapt by reallocating resources from processing sound to other functions, such as visual processing, potentially complicating the recovery of healthy hearing function later on.
Navigating neuroplasticity
In this scenario, neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt, can be both a friend and a foe. The brain will have a difficult time reverting back to its previous state after it rewires itself to accommodate for prolonged neglected hearing loss.
However, it isn’t impossible to undo these effects. Despite previous delays in seeking treatment, using hearing aids as prescribed by a specialist can still deliver substantial benefits in both the short and long term.
Call us for an appointment
While timely treatment is ideal, it’s never too late to address hearing loss. If you’re ready to enjoy improved hearing and stronger cognitive function, call us today for an assessment!
