If you’re forgetful, purchasing a day planner from Vero Beach Book Center may help. But if you experience forgetfulness due to cognitive decline, there’s another solution that may help even more: wearing hearing aids.
Recent research shows that wearing hearing aids may delay cognitive decline and improve brain function in older adults.
Hearing Loss Statistics
Hearing loss is common in older adults, affecting approximately one in three people ages 65 to 74. For those ages 75 and older, this number jumps to one in two.
This common condition has also been identified as a modifiable risk factor for dementia. This means that those with hearing loss are more likely to experience this form of cognitive decline, but seeking treatment could help prevent or delay it.
About the Study
Researchers at the University of Melbourne tested the use of hearing aids in 100 adults between the ages of 62 and 82. Each participant was assessed before and after an 18-month period of wearing hearing aids on:
- Hearing
- Cognitive function
- Speech perception
- Quality of life
- Physical activity
- Loneliness
- Mood
- Medical health
After the 18 months, the researchers found that the participants’ speech perception, listening ability and quality of life had significantly improved. In addition, in 97.3% of participants, there was clinically significant improvement in executive function, which refers to the ability to plan, organize information and initiate tasks.
In women, there was significant improvement in working memory and most other cognitive functions. This was likely because the female participants were more diligent about wearing their devices than the men were.
Significance of Study
According to Chief Investigator of the study Julia Sarant, “This research is a positive step in investigating the treatment of hearing aids to delay cognitive decline… Further research is underway to compare cognitive outcomes from a larger sample size with those of a healthy aging comparison group of older Australians with typical hearing for their age.” For more information about how hearing aids can prevent or delay cognitive decline, or to schedule an appointment for a hearing test or hearing aid fitting, call Aaron's Hearing Aid & Audiology Center today.