Between hectic schedules and the distractions of events, it’s all too easy to put off important appointments, such as those with a hearing specialist or for fitting hearing aids. You might not even get around to shopping for hearing aids whatsoever. But hearing loss impacts more than only your ears and delaying treatment can have negative effects on your whole life.
Neglected hearing loss can lead to a higher risk of mental decline
A clear link between mental decline and neglected hearing loss has been demonstrated by scientists and researchers. This is one reason why delaying treatment is never a good plan.
Hearing loss will get worse if it’s neglected
Naturally, 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 inadvertently subject your ears to additional damage.
The progression of your hearing loss will be quickened if you constantly need to crank up the volume on your devices. Wearing a hearing aid can help alleviate this by selectively amplifying particular frequencies, thereby slowing down the progression of hearing loss.
The link to cognitive function
There’s a direct connection between your sense of hearing and your brain. Cognitive function can be severely impacted by neglected hearing loss according to some significant research. Social solitude, frequently a consequence of weakened hearing, can result in mental health issues including depression and anxiety, which in turn can exacerbate mental decline over time.
Moreover, prolonged neglected hearing loss prompts the brain to adapt by reallocating resources from processing sound to other functions, such as visual processing, potentially complicating the recovery of healthy hearing function later on.
Navigating neuroplasticity
In this scenario, neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt, can be both a friend and a foe. The brain will have a difficult time reverting back to its previous state after it rewires itself to accommodate for extended neglected hearing loss.
But it is possible to undo this effect. Despite previous delays in getting treatment, utilizing hearing aids as prescribed by a specialist can still deliver substantial benefits in both the short and long term.
Give us a call for an appointment
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. Making an appointment with us as soon as possible is crucial, ensuring you can enjoy better hearing and cognitive function going forward. Call today!
