Hearing loss and dematia

Hearing loss and dematia

Studies have shown that experiencing hearing loss in middle age is linked to around 9% of dementia cases. This emphasises the worldwide effect of dementia on 47 million people. Approximately 8% of people with dementia encounter issues with their hearing. Around 800,000 out of the nearly 10 million new cases of dementia reported annually could be linked to hearing loss. Hearing loss usually occurs due to damage to the cochlea. Damage in the cortical regions can result in dementia, which typically begins in the multimodal cortex. When someone faces hearing loss, their brain might have to work harder to make up for the sounds they can’t hear. Disrupting brain functions such as attention, language processing, and working memory processes. Hearing loss related to ageing speeds up the decline in cognitive function. Reflect on how hearing loss can affect social interactions and cognitive abilities. People facing hearing challenges may choose to stay indoors more often, which could result in reduced brain stimulation. Lack of sound input can result in a less stimulating environment, especially when there is minimal communication. This could potentially harm brain development and function. This change in brain structure and activity raises the likelihood of developing dementia in the future. Addressing cortical degradation can be difficult, but effectively managing hearing loss with hearing aids or cochlear implants can bring about practical advantages.