How are Dementia and Hearing Loss Connected?

Dementia and hearing loss seem like two completely separate health problems, and it could shock you to find out that there may be a link between these issues. However, there is a great deal of evidence to show that the two are related, and many researchers have put forward respective theories as to why.

The symptoms of dementia include a great deal of confusion when trying to perform tasks that are relatively simple, memory loss, and disorientation. In the later stages, complete mental decline is common. Hearing loss has a variety of effects, such as a difficulty communicating.

We’ve noted down a few reasons why these two health problems may be related.

Social exclusion

When one has hearing loss, it’s common to feel excluded from social situations, and you may also feel greatly confused when you try to keep up with what is being said in conversations. It can seem tiring to keep asking people to repeat themselves, so many people just stop doing this, and this isolation has been linked to the symptoms of dementia.

To keep yourself from suffering from cognitive decline, it’s important to make sure that you are keeping up social interaction, and mental stimulation. The likelihood is that hearing issues speed up the rate at which dementia progresses, because it is difficult to maintain a normal level of social activity.

Pressure on the brain

Another issue that may link hearing loss and dementia is the fact that the brain has to work a lot harder when you’re trying to listen to people whilst suffering from hearing problems. Every time somebody says something in conversation, you have to put in a lot of effort to ensure that you can engage in these social interactions.

This presents issues for a number of reasons, but the main concern is the fact that you use a lot of your cognitive energy just to maintain simple interactions, and this is something that could be used for other mental functions. Scholars believe that pressure on the brain as a result of hearing loss may speed up the effects of dementia.

Changes in the brain

Some researchers also believe that hearing problems could change the way that the brain works, and that hearing loss may alter the part of your brain that processes information. Whilst there is little evidence to prove this, there could be a chance that there is a cognitive link between the two.

Despite the lack of research to back it up, it may be the case that the same part of the brain is affected by both illnesses. This is something that researchers are looking into, and a link may be found in the future if this is the case.

If you’re worried about hearing loss, and the links that it may have to dementia, the best idea is to talk to your hearing health professional, to ensure that you sort out the root of your problems.

Many issues stem from the fact that hearing problems aren’t treated properly, or that people don’t visit hearing professionals soon enough, so don’t be afraid to get in touch with a hearing specialist sooner rather than later.