Between hectic schedules and the distractions 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 may even find yourself hesitating to get hearing aids altogether. But hearing loss affects more than just your ears and holding off on treatment can have negative effects on your whole life.
Neglected hearing loss can result in a higher risk of cognitive decline
A clear connection between mental decline and neglected hearing loss has been established by scientists and researchers. This is one reason why delaying treatment is never a good plan.
The impact on hearing
Obviously, it’s evident that delaying treatment for hearing loss isn’t conducive to preserving your auditory health. By avoiding appointments with a hearing specialist or delaying the purchase of hearing aids, you unintentionally subject your ears to further damage.
The progression of your hearing loss will be quickened 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 development of hearing loss.
The link to mental function
There’s a direct link between your sense of hearing and your brain. Cognitive function can be seriously impacted by untreated hearing loss according to some substantial research. Over time, mental decline can be worsened by depression and anxiety caused by social isolation.
Also, the recovery of healthy hearing function can be complicated because untreated hearing loss will force the brain to adapt 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. While it allows for flexibility and restoration, prolonged untreated hearing loss can result in significant rewiring of the brain, making it difficult to revert to previous functionality.
But it is possible to reverse this effect. In both the short and the long term, utilizing hearing aids can bring considerable benefits even if you’ve put off on getting treatment for some time.
Schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist
While timely treatment is ideal, it’s never too late to address hearing loss. If you’re ready to enjoy improved hearing and stronger mental function, call us today for an assessment!