Between hectic schedules and the disruptions of events, it’s all too easy to put off essential appointments, like those with a hearing specialist or for a hearing aid fitting. You might even find yourself hesitating to get hearing aids altogether. However, putting off on treatment for hearing loss is a lot more than just a misstep concerning your ears alone.
Neglected hearing loss can lead to a greater risk of mental decline
Scientists have established a clear connection between neglected hearing loss and mental decline. This underscores the critical importance of not delaying treatment, as it can have negative effects on your mental function also.
The impact on hearing
If you care about the health of your hearing, it’s essential to never disregard any symptoms of hearing loss. By avoiding appointments with a hearing specialist or holding off on the purchase of hearing aids, you unintentionally subject your ears to additional damage.
The advancement of your hearing loss will be quickened if you constantly need to crank up the volume on your devices. Hearing aids can boost particular frequencies of sound thereby delaying the progression of hearing loss.
The link between neglected hearing loss and mental function
There’s a direct link between your sense of hearing and your brain. Research shows that untreated hearing loss can have considerable repercussions on mental function. Over time, mental decline can be worsened by depression and anxiety caused by social separation.
Moreover, prolonged untreated hearing loss prompts the brain to adapt by reallocating resources from processing sound to other functions, such as visual processing, potentially complicating the restoration of normal hearing function later on.
Navigating neuroplasticity
In this situation, neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt, can be both a friend and a foe. While it allows for flexibility and restoration, extended neglected hearing loss can lead to significant rewiring of the brain, making it challenging to return to previous functionality.
But it is possible to undo this effect. Despite previous delays in getting treatment, utilizing hearing aids as prescribed by a specialist can still yield significant benefits in both the short and long term.
Schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist
You should obviously seek treatment as soon as you can, but even if you’ve put off for a while, it’s not too late to get help. If you’re ready to enjoy better hearing and stronger cognitive function, call us today for an assessment!