How Cognitive Health Affects Hearing

As we age, our cognitive health naturally declines. We may begin to forget things, have difficulty concentrating, or start struggling with decision-making. But did you know that our hearing health can also play a significant role in our cognitive function? In this blog post, we will explore the relationship between cognitive health and hearing and discuss the importance of maintaining good hearing health.

What is Cognitive Health?

Cognitive health refers to our ability to think, learn, remember, and reason. It includes skills such as attention, perception, and problem solving . As we age, our cognitive health can start to decline, and we may experience difficulties with memory, attention, and other cognitive functions.

The Relationship Between Cognitive Health and Hearing

Recent studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between cognitive health and hearing. In fact, individuals with hearing loss are more likely to experience cognitive decline than those with no hearing loss. According to a study by Johns Hopkins University , individuals with hearing loss  are more likely to develop conditions such as dementia .

There are several reasons why hearing loss can contribute to cognitive decline. First, when we have difficulty hearing, our brain has to work much harder to process sounds; this can lead to cognitive fatigue which can make it difficult to concentrate and retain information. Additionally, when left untreated, hearing loss can lead to social isolation, which in the past has been linked to an increased risk of cognitive decline.

The Importance of Maintaining Good Hearing Health

Maintaining good hearing health is essential for our overall health and wellbeing, particularly as we age. Here are some tips to help you maintain good hearing health:

1. Get regular hearing tests – It’s important to have your hearing checked regularly (every two years), particularly as you age.
2. Protect your hearing – Exposure to loud noise can damage your hearing over time. Try wearing earplugs or other hearing protection when you are exposed to loud noises above 85 dB
3. Get regular ear wax removal – Getting regular wax removal can help prevent infections and other ear-related problems.
4. Exercise regularly – Regular exercise has been linked to better cognitive function and may help to protect against cognitive decline.
5. Maintain a healthy diet – A healthy diet can help to protect against cognitive decline and may also support hearing health.

At Help in Hearing, we’re passionate about helping you stay connected to the world around you and supporting your cognitive function through good hearing health.

If you’re concerned about your hearing or cognitive health, don’t wait – book a hearing health assessment with one of our expert audiologists   today. With our compassionate and personalised care, we’ll guide you towards the best hearing solutions for your individual needs and lifestyle.

Call us on 0345 2220579 for our Farnham Common  and Marlow  clinics or 01491 577555 for our Henley  clinic to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards better hearing and cognitive health.