How to Prevent Cognitive Decline Caused By Hearing Loss

Unsurprisingly, most of us believe that hearing loss is a problem that does not affect other functions performed by our body. Recent studies show that this is a misconception. New studies have shown that hearing loss in aging adults can be a cause of cognitive decline and even dementia. 

How does cognitive functioning decline?

Contrary to popular belief, we actually ‘hear’ with our brain rather than our ears. Our ears simply collect sound and transmit it to the auditory nerves, which send the signals to the brain. The brain then hears and comprehends the sound. When someone develops hearing loss, the connection in the brain gets "reorganized.”  

When hearing loss occurs, it comes with two types of different hearing problems; hearing acuity and hearing impairment. Hearing acuity is observed easily; it is the inability to hear sounds at low volumes. However, hearing impairment occurs more subtly as perceptions and understanding of sound decreases. The cognitive resources, which are used for encoding and storing the sounds in the memory, are used for understanding and perceiving the sound once there is hearing loss. Due to this, sound is not stored as effectively as before and patients start to lose their memories which ends up in dementia. 

During their research, scientists have discovered that the brain cells also shrink in size due to hearing loss. The MRI scans of people suffering from hearing loss show a decreased amount of gray mattes in the parts of the brain which receive and process sound when compared to the MRI scans of people who can hear normal. So far, researchers have hypothesized that this could be due to the shrinking of the brain cells. 

Moreover, many of the people who are profoundly deaf or hard of hearing slowly begin to isolate themselves due to their struggle to converse in social gatherings. This social isolation plays a pivotal role in cognitive decline and dementia. 

How can you prevent it?

Scientists have found that hearing aids and cochlear implants may prevent cognitive decline in people suffering from hearing loss.  

According to a recent study, several old adults suffering from hearing loss were studied and tested for their cognitive functioning. The control group consisted of participants with hearing loss who did not use any type of hearing devices. The other group consisted of participants suffering from hearing loss, who used hearing aids or cochlear implants. A cognitive test was administered on both groups and the results were compared to find out the effects of hearing aids on cognitive decline. 

The results showed that participants in both groups were suffering from a cognitive decline. However, those who were not using any hearing device showed a much higher rate of cognitive decline than those who used hearing aids or cochlear implants. Some even had a cognitive decline rate similar to those old adults who do not have hearing loss. Due to this study, scientists conclude that cognitive decline can be slowed by the use of hearing aids and implants. Thus, it is beneficial for patients to get their hearing treated if they wish to avoid cognitive decline later in life. 

If you or someone you love is struggling with hearing loss, schedule an appointment with an audiologist in your area. An audiologist will be able to diagnose hearing loss and recommend the best course of treatment.