Between hectic schedules and the distractions of events, it’s all too easy to put off essential appointments, such as those with a hearing specialist or for fitting hearing aids. You may not even get around to shopping for hearing aids whatsoever. But hearing loss impacts more than just your ears and delaying treatment can have negative effects on your entire life.
Untreated hearing loss can lead to a greater risk of cognitive decline
Scientists have proven a clear link between neglected hearing loss and cognitive 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 holding off on the purchase of hearing aids, you inadvertently subject your ears to additional damage.
The advancement of your hearing loss will be quickened if you continuously need to crank up the volume on your devices. Hearing aids can boost specific frequencies of sound thereby delaying the development of hearing loss.
The link to cognitive function
Your brain and your hearing are intricately linked. Cognitive function can be seriously impacted by untreated hearing loss according to some significant research. Over time, cognitive decline can be worsened by depression and anxiety caused by social separation.
Furthermore, long-term neglected hearing loss prompts the brain to adapt by reallocating resources from auditory processing to other functions, such as visual processing, potentially complicating the recovery 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. While it allows for flexibility and recovery, extended untreated hearing loss can result in considerable rewiring of the brain, making it difficult to return to previous functionality.
However, it’s not impossible to reverse these effects. In both the short and the long term, using hearing aids can bring considerable benefits even if you’ve put off on getting treatment for some time.
Set up an appointment with a hearing specialist
While prompt treatment is ideal, it’s never too late to tackle hearing loss. Making an appointment with us as soon as possible is essential, ensuring you can enjoy improved hearing and mental function moving forward. Call today!