Between hectic schedules and the distractions of events, it’s all too simple to put off important appointments, like those with a hearing specialist or for a hearing aid fitting. You might even find yourself hesitating to get hearing aids altogether. However, putting off on treatment for hearing loss is far more than just a mistake concerning your ears alone.
Untreated hearing loss can result in a higher risk of cognitive decline
A clear connection between mental decline and untreated hearing loss has been demonstrated by scientists and researchers. 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 maintaining your auditory health. By avoiding appointments with a hearing specialist or delaying the purchase of hearing aids, you unintentionally subject your ears to additional damage.
You may find yourself constantly boosting the volume on your various devices, exacerbating the damage to your ears and accelerating the development of hearing loss. Hearing aids can increase specific frequencies of sound thereby slowing down the progression of hearing loss.
The connection between untreated hearing loss and mental function
Your brain and your hearing are intricately connected. Mental function can be seriously impacted by untreated hearing loss according to some significant research. Over time, mental decline can be worsened by depression and anxiety brought on by social separation.
Also, the restoration of normal hearing function can be complicated because neglected hearing loss will force the brain to adapt by reallocating mental resources from other functions, such as visual processes, over to auditory processes.
Navigating neuroplasticity
The brain’s remarkable ability to adapt, known as neuroplasticity, is both a friend and a foe in this scenario. The brain will have a difficult time reverting back to its previous state after it rewires itself to accommodate for extended untreated hearing loss.
However, it isn’t impossible to reverse these effects. In spite of previous delays in getting treatment, utilizing hearing aids as prescribed by a specialist can still yield significant benefits in both the short and long term.
Schedule an appointment with a hearing specialist
You should obviously find treatment as soon as you can, but even if you’ve put off for a while, it’s not too late to seek help. Scheduling an appointment with us as soon as you can is important, ensuring you can enjoy better hearing and cognitive function going forward. Call today!