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How Hearing Aids Can Help Prevent Dementia

DR. KEVIN BOLDER

AuD, Audiology Associates

While searching for a cure for dementia and cognitive decline, researchers found that hearing loss plays a role in how quickly and severely the disease progresses. It has also been discovered that hearing aids can possibly prevent the effects of cognitive decline. Learn about the role hearing aids play in maintaining optimal brain function.

HEARING AIDS IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION

In a study of first-time hearing aid users conducted by the University of Maryland, Department of Hearing and Speech Sciences, the devices were shown to help brain function in multiple ways. Before they started wearing hearing aids, participants took behavioral and cognitive tests to measure their hearing, memory, and processing speed. After using hearing aids for six months, the group took the same tests and observed: „ Improved memory „ Improved neural speech processing „ Greater ease of listening

HEARING AIDS REDUCE MENTAL STRAIN

Straining to hear conversations is a sign of hearing loss. When a person puts stress on their brain to process the sounds around them, it pulls resources away from other parts of the brain, reducing abilities like memory. If this strain goes on long enough, your brain could stop being able to conduct these other functions. Wearing hearing aids limits brain strain, enhancing your memory and other important functions.

HEARING AIDS PREVENT SOCIAL ISOLATION

When people cannot process the sounds around them, they tend to avoid social situations. This isolation is a leading cause of dementia because their cognitive functions are not being used and deteriorate more quickly over time. Hearing aids can help you participate in conversations again.

GET YOUR HEARING CHECKED

The best thing you can do to make sure you are maintaining your overall health and wellbeing is receive regular hearing screenings in addition to your other doctor visits. Kevin Bolder, Au.D. and John Davis, Au.D. are two of the best in Santa Clarita and San Fernando Valley. Visit our website at www.AudiologyAssociates.net or stop by our office located at 25425 Orchard Village Road, Suite 220, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 to schedule an appointment.

We are hearing healthcare excellence! „