How Hearing Loss Affects Brain Function and Dementia Risk
We usually associate hearing with our ears, but did you know you mostly hear with your brain? Your brain is responsible for identifying the sounds and retaining information, so it’s especially important to understand how hearing loss impacts the health and longevity of your brain function. Here’s what you should know about your brain and hearing loss:
Age is Not the Only Risk Factor for Dementia
Dementia is the term used to describe the loss of memory and ability to make decisions and think. It can also impact your personality and your emotional control. Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of cases. Dementia and types of dementia are most common among adults over age 65, but age is not the only contributor to developing dementia. Other risk factors include genetics, heart health, and hearing loss. People with hearing loss are up to five times more at risk for developing dementia.
Your Brain Works Harder with Hearing Loss
Untreated hearing loss can put excess strain on your brain. When you struggle to hear, your brain cannot process information as well as it should. You miss out on certain sounds and details, so your brain tries to fill in the gaps. Experts believe that this contributes to a faster rate of brain atrophy.
Social Isolation from Hearing Loss Affects Your Brain
One of the common effects that comes along with hearing loss is a feeling of social isolation. You might struggle to understand conversations with your friends and family, or with your coworkers. This might cause you to withdraw from social scenarios and feel isolated. Not only does this remove a lot of your outside stimulation, but it can cause you to feel depressed and anxious.
You Can Protect Your Hearing and Your Brain
Understanding the connection between hearing loss and dementia is the first step to protecting yourself and reducing your risk. You can also take measures to avoid high-decibel noises and environments, or wear hearing protection when avoidance isn’t possible. If you are currently dealing with hearing loss, hearing aids might be a viable treatment for you. That’s why visiting your local hearing health provider is the best way to preserve your hearing.
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, which is the perfect opportunity for you to take control of your hearing and brain health. You may not be able to change your age or genetic risks of developing dementia, but you can take action to mitigate your risk from hearing loss.
If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing loss, reach out to our office today to schedule an appointment and discuss treatment options.
Our Provider
John Paul Schaeffer, HIS
Licensed Hearing Instrument Specialist | Veteran | Medical Professional
John Paul Schaeffer is a dedicated Hearing Instrument Specialist and veteran with a diverse background in emergency medicine, military service, and healthcare. His career has focused on improving patient care through a combination of medical expertise and advanced hearing healthcare.
John’s journey began at 14 as a volunteer firefighter, and by 16, he was an EMT with the Virginia Beach Rescue Squad. At 18, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving with the 2nd Marine Division and providing battlefield medicine during two tours in Iraq. He balanced this with earning an associate degree and later worked in emergency medicine and medical transport.
Transitioning into hearing healthcare, John managed Miracle-Ear clinics across Virginia and the Carolinas before co-founding a private clinic. His commitment to patient care and innovative approaches led to the growth of community outreach programs and mobile clinics for underserved populations.
Currently with Revolution Hearing, John continues to provide personalized hearing solutions, dedicated to improving the lives of his patients.
Our Provider
Megan Zablan, HIS
Hearing Instrument Specialist
Megan has spent the past 25 years in Virginia Beach, where she developed her passion for the hearing aid industry, inspired by her mother, a dedicated hearing aid specialist. With 10 years of experience, Megan is committed to providing personalized care and building strong, lasting relationships with each client. She takes the time to understand their unique hearing needs and deliver the highest level of service. Outside of work, Megan enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Chewie and Adobo, playing board games, and staying active with pickleball. Her mission is simple: to help people hear better and improve their quality of life. Megan is dedicated to making sure every client receives the best possible care on their hearing journey.
The Link Between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline
Research has shown a significant correlation between hearing loss and cognitive decline, particularly in older adults. As individuals experience difficulties in hearing, their cognitive load increases as they struggle to interpret sounds and engage in conversations. This added strain can lead to a faster decline in cognitive functions, making it crucial to address hearing health proactively.
Studies indicate that untreated hearing loss can increase the risk of developing dementia by as much as 50%. By improving hearing through interventions such as hearing aids or assistive listening devices, individuals may not only enhance their auditory experience but also potentially slow cognitive decline, thereby improving overall quality of life.
How Hearing Aids Can Improve Cognitive Function
Hearing aids play a vital role in managing hearing loss and can significantly contribute to better cognitive health. By amplifying sounds and clarifying speech, hearing aids help users engage more fully in conversations and social interactions, which are essential for mental stimulation and emotional well-being.
Research has demonstrated that individuals who use hearing aids experience improved cognitive function compared to those who do not. Regular use of these devices can lead to increased social engagement and reduced feelings of isolation, ultimately supporting brain health and reducing the risk of dementia.
The Importance of Early Intervention for Hearing Loss
Early intervention is critical when it comes to hearing loss, as timely treatment can prevent further cognitive decline and improve overall health outcomes. Recognizing the signs of hearing loss and seeking professional evaluation can lead to effective management strategies that enhance communication and quality of life.
By addressing hearing issues early, individuals can maintain their social connections and cognitive engagement, which are essential in mitigating the risks associated with dementia. Regular hearing assessments and prompt action can significantly influence long-term cognitive health.
Community Resources for Hearing Health Awareness
Community resources play a crucial role in raising awareness about hearing health and its connection to cognitive function. Local organizations often provide educational workshops, screenings, and support groups to help individuals understand the importance of hearing care and its impact on overall health.
Engaging with community resources fosters a supportive environment where individuals can learn about preventive measures, treatment options, and strategies to maintain their hearing health. Access to such information empowers people to take proactive steps toward safeguarding their cognitive well-being.
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Revolution Hearing Verification Process
The verification process at Revolution Hearing is designed to ensure that users accessing our services are genuine individuals. This step is crucial in maintaining the integrity of our platform and protecting sensitive information from automated systems.
By implementing a CAPTCHA verification, we can effectively filter out bots and ensure that every interaction with our services is authentic. This process not only enhances security but also improves the overall user experience by allowing real customers to access our offerings without delay.
Importance of CAPTCHA in Online Services
CAPTCHA technology plays a vital role in safeguarding online services from spam and abuse. By requiring users to complete a simple test, such as identifying objects in images or typing distorted text, we can confirm their humanity before granting access to sensitive content.
This layer of security is particularly important for businesses like Revolution Hearing, where the confidentiality of personal health information is paramount. Utilizing CAPTCHA helps us protect our users and maintain trust in our services.
What to Expect After Verification
Once you successfully complete the verification process, you will gain immediate access to the comprehensive hearing services offered by Revolution Hearing. This includes consultations, product information, and resources tailored to your hearing needs.
We strive to make the transition from verification to accessing our services as seamless as possible. Users can expect an intuitive interface and helpful support to guide them through their journey with us, ensuring they receive the best care and information available.
Common Issues During Verification
Users may occasionally encounter challenges during the CAPTCHA verification process. Common issues include difficulty in reading distorted text or identifying images accurately, which can lead to frustration when trying to access our services.
If you experience any problems, we recommend refreshing the CAPTCHA or trying an alternative method of verification. Our support team is also available to assist with any technical difficulties, ensuring that you can quickly and easily access the services you need.