Important: Using hearing aids may lower dementia risks
Studies show that wearing a hearing aid could reduce the risk of developing dementia and other common health issues as you age. Photo: supplied by brand
Two recent studies from top universities in the US and Britain have found that people who wear hearing aids to treat their hearing loss maintain better brain function and health.
If you’re one of the estimated 3.5 million Aussies that could benefit from a hearing aid, this new research shows that if your hearing loss is left untreated, you might be up to 33 per cent more likely to develop dementia as you age.
Could you benefit from a hearing aid? Click your icon to see if you’re eligible
The recent studies by the University of Exeter and the University of Michigan provide evidence that encouraging people to wear an effective hearing aid might help protect their brains and reduce their risk of dementia.
They also found that older adults who get a hearing aid for newly diagnosed hearing loss have a lower risk of being diagnosed with dementia, depression, or anxiety, and a lower risk of fall-related injuries than those who leave their hearing loss uncorrected.
The risk of developing dementia, or Alzheimer’s disease, within three years of a hearing loss diagnosis was 18 per cent lower for hearing aid users.
The risk of depression or anxiety was 11 per cent lower and the risk of fall-related injuries was 13 per cent lower among hearing aid users.
Left untreated, hearing loss can lead to social isolation as well as mental and physical decline. Don’t let this happen to you or your loved ones.
According to the Hearing Care Industry Association, only one in four people who could benefit from a hearing aid have one and there is an average of seven years between a person needing a hearing aid and taking the steps to get one.
Here’s how you do it:
Step 1: Select your state below.
Step 2: After answering a few questions, you will have the opportunity to compare hearing aids in your area and could be eligible for significant savings.
Not everyone is ready to admit that they might need a hearing aid.
So it’s important to protect and monitor your loved ones for early warning signs, just like you would for yourself.
If you’re worried about the way your new hearing aid will look and fit, you’ll be pleased to know that it’s possible to get a hearing aid that’s so discreet it’s practically invisible.
Qualifying senior card-holders, pensioners, or people with private health insurance may be eligible to receive a discount or rebate on their hearing aids.
To find out which kind of hearing aid might be suitable for you and your level of hearing loss, visit Hearing Aid Comparison to connect with a specialist in your area.
When you use this new online service, you’ll be entitled to a free hearing test to assess your level of hearing loss.
Get started now:
Step 1: Select your state below.
Step 2: Answer a few questions to book in a free hearing test in your area and compare hearing aids.
Michigan University study, 2019
http://www.hcia.com.au/resources/HCIA.pdf
This article is opinion only and should not be taken as medical or financial advice. Check with a financial professional before making any decisions.