Dementia & Hearing Loss: What Can We Do?
As we age, it's common to experience a decline in our hearing abilities. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including exposure to loud noises, genetics, and certain medical conditions. Unfortunately, hearing loss can have far-reaching consequences beyond simply having difficulty hearing. Recent research has shown that there is a strong connection between hearing loss and dementia. In fact, studies have found that individuals with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop dementia, while those with severe hearing loss are five times as likely. This is a concerning finding, as dementia is a debilitating condition that can severely impact an individual's quality of life. So, why is there a link between hearing loss and dementia? One theory is that when an individual experiences hearing loss, their brain has to work harder to interpret sounds. This extra effort can lead to cognitive fatigue, which can impair memory and other cognitive abilities. Additionally, soci