How Cognitive Health Affects Hearing
How Cognitive Health Affects Hearing
As we age, our cognitive health naturally declines.We may begin to forget things, have difficulty concentrating, or start
struggling with decision-making. But did you know that our hearing health can
also play a significant role in our cognitive function? In this blog post, we
will explore the relationship between cognitive health and hearing and discuss
the importance of maintaining good hearing health.
What is Cognitive Health?
Cognitive health refers to our ability to think,learn, remember, and reason. It includes skills such as attention, perception,
and problem solving . As we age, our cognitive health can start to decline, and
we may experience difficulties with memory, attention, and other cognitive
functions.
The Relationship Between Cognitive Health and Hearing
Recent studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between cognitive health and hearing. In fact, individuals with
hearing loss are more likely to experience cognitive decline than those with no
hearing loss. According to a study by Johns Hopkins University, individuals with hearing loss are more likely to develop conditions such as dementia.
There are several reasons why hearing loss can contribute to cognitive decline. First, when we have difficulty hearing, our
brain has to work much harder to process sounds; this can lead to cognitive
fatigue which can make it difficult to concentrate and retain information.
Additionally, when left untreated, hearing loss can lead to social isolation,
which in the past has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline.
The Importance of Maintaining Good Hearing Health
Maintaining good hearing health is essential for our overall health and wellbeing, particularly as we age. Here are some
tips to help you maintain good hearing health:
- Get regular hearing tests – It’s important to have your hearing checked regularly (every two years), particularly as you age.
- Protect your hearing – Exposure to loud noise can damage your hearing over time. Try wearing earplugs or other hearing protection when
you are exposed to loud noises above 85 dB - Get regular ear wax removal – Getting regular wax removal can help prevent infections and other ear-related problems.
- Exercise regularly – Regular exercise has been linked to better cognitive function and may help to protect against cognitive decline.
- Maintain a healthy diet – A healthy diet can help to protect against cognitive decline and may also support hearing health.
At Bexhill Hearing Centre, we’re passionate about helping you stay connected to the world around you and supporting your
cognitive function through good hearing health.
If you’re concerned about your hearing or cognitive health, don’t wait – book a hearing health assessment with our
expert audiologists today. With our compassionate and personalised
care, we’ll guide you towards the best hearing solutions for your individual
needs and lifestyle.
Call us on 01424733030 to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards better hearing and cognitive health.