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 a hearing aid fitting. You might not even get around to shopping for hearing aids at all. However, delaying treatment for hearing loss is a lot more than just a mistake concerning your ears alone.
Neglected hearing loss can result in a greater risk of mental decline
Scientists have proven a clear connection between neglected hearing loss and mental decline. This underscores the crucial importance of not delaying treatment, as it can have negative effects on your brain function as well.
Hearing loss will worsen if it’s neglected
Naturally, it’s evident that delaying 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 exam 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. Using a hearing aid can help mitigate this by selectively amplifying specific frequencies, thereby delaying the advancement of hearing loss.
The connection between untreated hearing loss and cognitive function
Your brain and your hearing are intricately connected. Research shows that neglected hearing loss can have considerable repercussions on cognitive function. Over time, mental decline can be exacerbated by depression and anxiety caused by social separation.
Moreover, prolonged untreated hearing loss causes the brain to adapt by reallocating resources from auditory processing to other functions, such as visual processing, potentially complicating the restoration of normal hearing function down the road.
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, sustained neglected hearing loss can result in considerable rewiring of the brain, making it difficult to return to previous functionality.
But it is possible to undo 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.
Make an appointment with a hearing specialist
You should obviously find treatment as soon as possible, but even if you’ve put off for a while, it’s not too late to seek help. If you’re ready to enjoy better hearing and stronger cognitive function, call us today for an assessment!