Hearing loss and the link to mental health

We are used to reading articles about how the latest hearing aid will allow you to ‘hear the grass grow in a busy room’ or ‘hear as you did 20 years ago’, but what is real and what is poetic license by clever marketing? The truth is our hearing system is not just how our ears detect a sound but rather a sequence of events that allow us to translate a vibration into what we recognise as speech, music, birdsong or any other signal we largely take for granted. One of the biggest factors of our hearing system is how our brains translate messages received from our ears.  It is understandable therefore that the brain should be retrained to hear with rehabilitation as much as the ear needs support from a device such as a Hearing Aid. So what happens if those with a hearing loss, choose to ignore it? Welcome to ‘Cognitive Decline’. All adults experience a reduction in brain function and cognitive ability, however research proves that someone with a hearing impairment can experience a staggering 30% increased decline when compared with someone who hears normally.  Partly due to social isolation in not being able to engage in conversations, but also due to lack of sound stimulation. Literally a case of ‘use it or lose it!’ Sam Rossiter of Imperial Hearing says: “By identifying a hearing loss early and taking action, you increase the brain function through stimulation, in turn significantly reducing the speed of Cognitive Decline.” “The hearing device selected is hugely important, how it is calibrated and how you are rehabilitated however is arguably the biggest factor.” “We encourage regular hearing checks and taking action with a reputable independent audiologist as soon as a loss is discovered.” A hearing test with Imperial Hearing is free and painless. Full results and solutions (if needed) can be given provided same day. Book your hearing test at your local centre.