Amidst hectic schedules and the distractions of events, it’s all too simple to put off essential appointments, like those with a hearing specialist or for fitting hearing aids. You may even find yourself hesitating to get hearing aids altogether. However, putting off on treatment for hearing loss is a lot more than just a mistake concerning your ears alone.
Untreated hearing loss can result in a greater risk of mental decline
Scientists have demonstrated a clear link between neglected hearing loss and mental decline. This is one reason why delaying treatment is never a good plan.
The impact on hearing
Obviously, it’s evident that putting off treatment for hearing loss isn’t conducive to preserving your auditory health. You inadvertently cause more harm to your hearing if you put off on getting a hearing examination or hearing aids if you need them.
The advancement of your hearing loss will be accelerated if you continuously need to crank up the volume on your devices. Wearing a hearing aid can help alleviate this by selectively amplifying specific frequencies, thereby delaying the progression of hearing loss.
The connection between neglected hearing loss and mental function
Your brain and your hearing are intricately connected. Cognitive function can be severely impacted by neglected hearing loss according to some substantial research. Social isolation, often a consequence of weakened hearing, can lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety, which in turn can worsen mental decline over time.
Also, the restoration of healthy hearing function can be complicated because untreated hearing loss will force the brain to adjust by reallocating mental resources from other functions, such as visual processes, over to auditory processes.
Navigating neuroplasticity
The brain’s phenomenal ability to adapt, known as neuroplasticity, is both a friend and a foe in this situation. The brain will have a hard time reverting back to its previous state after it rewires itself to accommodate for extended untreated hearing loss.
However, it’s not impossible to reverse these effects. In both the short and the long term, making use of hearing aids can bring significant benefits even if you’ve put off on getting treatment for some time.
Give us a call for an appointment
While prompt treatment is ideal, it’s never too late to tackle hearing loss. If you’re ready to enjoy better hearing and stronger mental function, call us today for an assessment!
