Amidst hectic schedules and the disruptions of events, it’s all too easy to put off important appointments, such as those with a hearing specialist or for fitting hearing aids. You may even find yourself hesitating to get hearing aids altogether. But hearing loss impacts more than only your ears and delaying treatment can have negative effects on your entire life.
Neglected hearing loss can lead to a greater risk of mental decline
A clear link between cognitive decline and neglected hearing loss has been established by scientists and researchers. This is one reason why delaying treatment is never a good plan.
The impact on hearing
Obviously, it’s evident that putting off treatment for hearing loss isn’t conducive to maintaining your auditory health. By avoiding appointments with a hearing specialist or delaying the purchase of hearing aids, you inadvertently subject your ears to further damage.
The progression of your hearing loss will be quickened if you continuously need to crank up the volume on your devices. Using a hearing aid can help alleviate this by selectively amplifying specific frequencies, thereby delaying the progression of hearing loss.
The connection between untreated hearing loss and mental function
There’s a close link between your sense of hearing and your brain. Research shows that neglected hearing loss can have considerable consequences on cognitive function. Over time, cognitive decline can be exacerbated by depression and anxiety caused by social isolation.
Also, the restoration of normal hearing function can be complicated because untreated hearing loss will force the brain to adjust by reallocating mental resources from other functions, such as visual processes, over to auditory processes.
Navigating neuroplasticity
The brain’s amazing ability to adapt, known as neuroplasticity, is both a friend and a foe in this scenario. The brain will have a difficult time reverting back to its previous state after it rewires itself to accommodate for extended neglected hearing loss.
But it is possible to reverse this effect. In spite of previous delays in getting treatment, using hearing aids as prescribed by a specialist can still provide significant benefits in both the short and long term.
Set up an appointment with a hearing specialist
While timely treatment is ideal, it’s never too late to address hearing loss. If you’re ready to enjoy better hearing and stronger cognitive function, call us today for an assessment!