Recently, researchers have started to study what, if any, the long term effects of hearing loss will have in regards to brain activity. University of Geneva psychologists found that people experience 3 different stages in the way they process language as a result of aging:

Stage 1 – increased distractions
Stage 2 – a decline in processing speeds
Stage 3 – less working memory

Each of these stages adds even more problems to an already compromised hearing system.

A Johns Hopkins study found that people who had a hearing loss also had cognitive function decline between 30-40 percent faster than people with normal hearing.

The take away is “…hearing loss should not be considered an inconsequential part of aging, because it may come with serious long-term consequences to healthy brain function” according to Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Sensorineural is the most common type of hearing loss and it is often hard to recognize.

Not recognizing a hearing loss or underestimating its severity often leads to feelings of isolation. It may also mean that people delay getting help for their hearing loss.

The good news is that in many instances hearing loss can be treated. That treatment may make it possible to slow down the cognitive decline experienced by those with hearing loss.

There are many possible reasons for a hearing loss; ranging from a buildup of ear wax to over exposure of loud noises. If you or someone you know may be suffering from hearing loss, then please give us a call for a complimentary hearing screening.