Between hectic schedules and the disruptions of events, it’s all too simple to put off essential appointments, like those with a hearing specialist or for fitting hearing aids. You might even find yourself hesitating to order hearing aids altogether. However, putting off on treatment for hearing loss is far more than just a misstep concerning your ears alone.
Neglected hearing loss can result in a higher risk of cognitive decline
Scientists have proven a clear connection between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline. This underscores the critical importance of not holding off on treatment, as it can have adverse effects on your mental function as well.
Hearing loss will worsen if it goes untreated
If you care about the health of your hearing, it’s essential to never neglect any symptoms of hearing loss. By avoiding appointments with a hearing specialist or delaying the purchase of hearing aids, you inadvertently subject your ears to additional damage.
You might find yourself constantly increasing the volume on your various devices, exacerbating the damage to your ears and accelerating the progression of hearing loss. Hearing aids can boost particular frequencies of sound thereby slowing down the development of hearing loss.
The connection to cognitive function
Your brain and your hearing are closely connected. Cognitive function can be seriously impacted by neglected hearing loss according to some substantial research. Social solitude, frequently a consequence of weakened hearing, can lead to mental health problems including depression and anxiety, which in turn can exacerbate cognitive decline over time.
Moreover, long-term neglected hearing loss prompts the brain to adapt by reallocating resources from auditory processing to other functions, such as visual processing, potentially complicating the recovery 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, prolonged untreated hearing loss can result in considerable rewiring of the brain, making it difficult to revert to previous functionality.
However, it isn’t impossible to undo these effects. Despite previous delays in getting treatment, utilizing hearing aids as prescribed by a specialist can still deliver significant benefits in both the short and long term.
Make an appointment with a hearing specialist
While timely treatment is ideal, it’s never too late to deal with hearing loss. Scheduling an appointment with us as soon as you can is crucial, ensuring you can enjoy improved hearing and cognitive function going forward. Call today!