Between hectic schedules and the disruptions of events, it’s all too simple to put off essential appointments, such as those with a hearing specialist or for a hearing aid fitting. You might even find yourself hesitating to get hearing aids altogether. However, delaying treatment for hearing loss is a lot more than just a mistake concerning your ears alone.
Neglected hearing loss can result in a higher risk of mental decline
A clear connection between mental decline and untreated hearing loss has been demonstrated by scientists and researchers. This underscores the critical importance of not delaying treatment, as it can have negative effects on your mental function as well.
Hearing loss will worsen if it goes untreated
Obviously, it’s evident that putting off treatment for hearing loss isn’t conducive to maintaining your auditory health. You inadvertently cause more harm to your hearing if you put off on getting a hearing exam or hearing aids if you need them.
You may find yourself constantly boosting the volume on your various devices, worsening the damage to your ears and speeding up the progression of hearing loss. Using a hearing aid can help alleviate this by selectively amplifying particular frequencies, thereby slowing down the development of hearing loss.
The connection to cognitive function
There’s a direct link between your sense of hearing and your brain. Research shows that neglected hearing loss can have significant repercussions on cognitive function. Over time, mental decline can be exacerbated by depression and anxiety caused by social isolation.
Also, the recovery of normal hearing function can be complicated because untreated hearing loss will force the brain to adjust by reallocating mental resources from other functions, such as visual processes, over to auditory processes.
Navigating neuroplasticity
In this situation, neuroplasticity, which is the brain’s ability to adapt, can be both a friend and a foe. The brain will have a difficult time reverting back to its previous state after it rewires itself to accommodate for extended neglected hearing loss.
But it is possible to undo this effect. Despite previous delays in seeking treatment, using hearing aids as prescribed by a specialist can still yield substantial benefits in both the short and long term.
Give us a call for an appointment
You should obviously find treatment as soon as you can, but even if you’ve delayed for a while, it’s not too late to get help. Scheduling an appointment with us as soon as possible is essential, ensuring you can enjoy better hearing and mental function going forward. Call today!