According to the Alzheimer’s Society, research shows that hearing loss is related to an increased risk of developing dementia although it does not mean that dementia is inevitable – just that the risk is higher. Developing dementia involves many other contributing factors.
Age-related hearing loss is a common condition affecting older people. It often starts with problems hearing conversations, especially in noisy environments. The amount of hearing loss and length of time someone has hearing loss may also impact dementia risk. Symptoms can start gradually and be difficult to notice, so unfortunately, beneficial early treatment may be delayed.
Types of Hearing Loss
There are two types of hearing loss: peripheral hearing loss and central hearing loss. It’s good to know the difference and how both can be risk factors for cognitive decline.
- Peripheral hearing loss means reduced abilities of the ears to detect sounds, which can be a risk factor for dementia.
- Central hearing loss involves problems with processing sounds in the brain, which may not be corrected with hearing aids. This may be an early symptom of Alzheimer’s disease, as the parts of the brain that process sound are affected by the disease.
Assessing Risk Factors
When assessing risk factors, researchers look at the number of people who develop dementia who have a certain risk factor, such as peripheral hearing loss, compared to those who don’t. Researchers analyzed many studies and showed that hearing loss is one of several main factors that leads to the highest risk of developing dementia.
Even low levels of hearing loss have been associated with increased dementia risk and a decrease in memory and thinking skills. Hearing loss may also mean that the areas of the brain that help us understand sounds and speech have to work harder to understand what sounds are. This additional effort or “cognitive load” may lead to functional changes in the brain that affect our memory and thinking abilities.
Increased Cognitive Load
If your brain is doing what your ears are not, it means there is less capacity for other brain functions, such as memory and concentration. Think of a computer that may be running too many programs and goes into overload. Some signs your brain may be doing your ear’s work include:
- Using TV captions and keeping the volume at a high level.
- Understanding people better when you can see their lips.
- Needing people to repeat themselves during conversations.
- Feeling mentally exhausted after conversations, especially long ones or during work meetings.
Important Steps to Take
All of this is understandably alarming. No one wants to lose hearing or cognitive function. What to do if you’re concerned? First, don’t delay getting professional help. Go for a comprehensive hearing exam. Follow through on the findings and work with an audiologist if you need to get a hearing aid fitted. A hearing aid may not be a guarantee against cognitive loss, but it can help you hear better, which will reduce the load on your brain.
Remember that hearing loss doesn’t necessarily mean getting dementia, but it’s an added risk that can be addressed with a thorough hearing exam and hearing devices if needed.
At Southern Maine Hearing, our team provides expert hearing aid services for the people of Falmouth and Yarmouth.
Why Noise Reduction Matters When Upgrading Your Hearing Aids
If you’ve worn hearing aids for a while, you already know that background noise can make conversations more difficult. Restaurants, family gatherings, meetings, and crowded public places often introduce multiple sounds competing for your attention.
That’s why noise reduction technology is one of the most important features in modern hearing aids. However, not every device manages background sound the same way. The way a hearing aid processes noise can significantly affect how easily you understand speech.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your hearing aids, it’s worth learning a little more about how today’s technology handles noisy environments.
Why Background Noise Is So Challenging
Hearing loss doesn’t just make sounds quieter; it can make it harder for your brain to separate speech from other sounds around you. Even when voices are loud enough, background noise can blur important speech details.
This is why many people with hearing loss say they can hear others talking, but they can’t always understand what is being said, especially in busy environments.
Modern hearing aids are designed to address this challenge by using advanced sound processing to help important sounds, like speech, stand out more clearly.
Different Approaches to Noise Reduction
Earlier hearing aid technology typically reduced noise by softening steady background sounds, such as fans, road noise, or air conditioners. While helpful, these systems were not always effective in places where many people are talking at once.
Newer hearing aids take a more advanced approach. Some models can analyze the listening environment and focus on speech coming from specific directions, while still allowing you to stay aware of your surroundings. This means conversations may feel more natural and less tiring to follow.
The Importance of Professional Programming
Even the most advanced hearing aid technology works best when it’s carefully programmed for your specific hearing needs. Your lifestyle, listening preferences, and type of hearing loss all influence how hearing aids should be adjusted.
Your hearing specialist can fine-tune the settings to help you hear comfortably in the environments that matter most to you.
Explore New Hearing Aid Technology at Southern Maine Hearing
Today’s hearing aids offer powerful tools to help manage background noise and improve everyday communication. But choosing the right technology and ensuring it’s properly programmed can make all the difference.
At Southern Maine Hearing, we provide the latest hearing aid technology to patients in Falmouth, Yarmouth, and the surrounding communities. If you’re considering upgrading your hearing aids, our team can help you explore new options and find a solution designed to help you hear conversations more clearly in the situations you experience every day.