Did you know that hearing loss and dementia are related? It is true! In fact, research has shown that people with this condition have a twofold greater risk of developing dementia. We should all be aware of the seriousness of this issue.
As people get older, hearing loss is a common problem that, if treated, can prevent dementia.
As we age, our hearing begins to decline. It is a typical aspect of ageing, and many people do not consider it to be a major worry. However, for some people, this may be a serious problem, making the use of hearing aids in Sri Lanka necessary. If it is not addressed, dementia might ensue.
Dementia is a serious condition that affects a person’s ability to think, remember, and communicate. Daily duties could become difficult, which could lead to death. Hearing loss is one of the most frequent causes of dementia risk.
The two main types of hearing loss are conductive and sensorineural. Conductive loss happens when anything blocks sound from entering the inner ear. Sensory loss happens when the nerve cells in the inner ear are damaged.
Conductive loss is frequently caused by wax buildup, an infection, or a tumour. Usually, sensory loss is caused by ageing, exposure to loud noise, or particular diseases.
It is possible to experience mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss. In Sri Lanka, you can purchase digital hearing aids online to treat mild sensorineural hearing loss, which impairs your capacity to hear soft noises. In a social context, you have some difficulty understanding speech. If you have a severe hearing loss, you need amplification to understand speech or loud noises.
If you think you could be suffering from any of these ailments, it is imperative to see a doctor for a full examination. There are numerous treatments to treat hearing loss, including conductive and sensorineural. With early discovery and treatment, the progression of this condition might be slowed down or prevented.
A hazardous condition called dementia can cause cognitive decline, memory loss, and difficulty carrying out daily chores like taking a shower and getting dressed.
Dementia is the term used to describe a mental decline that is severe enough to interfere with daily life. Memory loss is one of the early indicators of dementia. Language comprehension, focusing or paying attention, and short-term memory are all impacted.
As the disease progresses, symptoms like disorientation (not knowing where you are or how you got there), mood changes, and challenges performing complicated tasks like balancing a chequebook or cooking food can all be signs of the condition. Dementia patients usually quit engaging in their hobbies and favourite past times. They might also have trouble controlling their emotions or act impulsively.
Dementia is not always brought on by getting older. Damage to brain cells, which changes how the brain functions, causes it. The majority of the time, diseases like Alzheimer’s or stroke are to responsible for this harm. However, it can also be caused by head injuries, brain tumours, and drug or alcohol addiction.
The number of persons who have dementia is unknown because many cases go undiagnosed. However, it’s estimated that more than 47 million people do so in the world today. This number is projected to increase to 75 million by 2030.
Dementia is a significant public health concern that has a detrimental effect on individuals, families, and societies. It was estimated that this disease would have a $604 billion economic cost in 2010 and a trillion dollar cost by 2050.
Dementia risk factors include things like age, genetics, and lifestyle decisions. However, one of the most significant risk factors is hearing loss.
A study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery found that people with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia than people without hearing loss. Data from more than 2000 people over 50 were analysed for the study. The results showed that during a six-year period, people who had this condition had a 24% higher likelihood of having dementia than those who did not. This increased to 34% for individuals who had considerable hearing loss.
The relationship between these two illnesses is unclear, though there are a few potential explanations. One theory holds that hearing loss might cause social isolation, which can affect cognitive function. A different theory contends that damage to the brain regions responsible for processing sound might also disrupt other cognitive functions, such as thinking and memory.
It is clear that these two disorders are connected, regardless of the underlying reason. Carefully seek out therapy if you suffer from hearing loss. With the range of hearing aids and accessories available today, including hearing aid batteries bought online in Sri Lanka, there is no excuse for continuing to live with this ailment. If you don’t already have it, try everything you can to avoid acquiring it.
However, it’s imperative to seek assistance as soon as you can. Dementia and hearing loss may both be treated.
Treatments for hearing loss have made tremendous strides in recent years. There are many different devices available nowadays, some of which can even link to your smartphone. If you are having this problem, discuss the best course of action with your doctor.
Dementia, sadly, cannot be cured. However, there are treatments that can slow the progression of the condition and improve quality of life. If you believe that you or a loved one has dementia, it is imperative to get professional help as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and action can make a big difference.
If you think you or someone you know may have one of these illnesses, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you get treatment, the better your chances are of controlling the condition and improving quality of life.
