Amidst hectic schedules and the disruptions of events, it’s all too simple to put off essential appointments, such as those with a hearing specialist or for a hearing aid fitting. You might not even get around to shopping for hearing aids whatsoever. However, delaying treatment for hearing loss is a lot more than just a misstep concerning your ears alone.
Neglected hearing loss can lead to a greater risk of mental decline
Scientists have demonstrated a clear connection between untreated hearing loss and mental decline. This is one reason why delaying treatment is never a good plan.
The impact on hearing
Naturally, it’s evident that putting off treatment for hearing loss isn’t helpful for preserving your auditory health. By avoiding appointments with a hearing specialist or delaying the purchase of hearing aids, you inadvertently subject your ears to further damage.
The advancement of your hearing loss will be accelerated if you constantly need to crank up the volume on your devices. Hearing aids can amplify particular frequencies of sound thereby slowing down the advancement of hearing loss.
The link between untreated hearing loss and mental function
There’s a direct connection between your sense of hearing and your brain. Cognitive function can be seriously impacted by untreated hearing loss according to some significant research. Over time, mental decline can be exacerbated by depression and anxiety caused by social separation.
Moreover, long-term untreated hearing loss prompts 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 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 sustained untreated hearing loss.
But it is possible to undo this effect. In spite of previous delays in getting treatment, using hearing aids as prescribed by a specialist can still deliver substantial benefits in both the short and long term.
Schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist
While timely treatment is ideal, it’s never too late to address hearing loss. Making an appointment with us as soon as you can is essential, ensuring you can enjoy improved hearing and mental function moving forward. Call today!