Have you been looking for a reason to get your hearing checked? The customary answer to this question is typically “no”. However, there is some very intriguing new information that might cause you to change your view, and possibly the opinions of many. A recent study conducted at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore, in conjunction with the National Institute on Aging, found that older adults with hearing loss were more likely to develop cognitive decline over time than those who retained their hearing.

Dr Frank Lin emphasises the significance of hearing loss, “our results show that hearing loss should not be considered an inconsequential part of ageing, because it may come with more serious long-term consequences to healthy brain function”.

Further research to establish the correlation between cognitive decline and hearing loss needs to be performed. However, Dr Lin explains a likely cause for this cognitive decline. “Degraded hearing may also force the brain to devote too much of its energy to processing sound, and at the expense of energy spent on memory and thinking”.

It is known that people with hearing loss tend to avoid social situations, which often leads to social isolation, and is a risk factor for dementia.

Studies of whether early action to treat hearing loss with hearing aids may help delay dementia are already underway. Hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic health problem in older adults, and left untreated can exacerbate other existing health issues.

Good hearing is so important for your health, organise your obligation free hearing assessment today. Call us on 1300 557 134 or book online by clicking the booking button.