There are many theories about why hearing loss and dementia may be connected, and much more research is needed before we’ll know for sure. However, we do know hearing loss can cause social isolation — leading to less mental stimulation and cognitive decline.

I constantly see people who avoid various social situations simply because they know they’ll struggle to hear. This causes them to withdraw from participating in activities they used to enjoy and avoid contact with loved ones. It becomes easier to avoid an activity rather than attend and have to pretend you heard what someone said, or worse, strain to hear and then misinterpret what was actually said.  This leads to feelings of embarrassment and frustration.

This withdrawal and social isolation have long been associated with cognitive decline.

About 36 million Americans have some form of hearing loss, which is 17 percent of the adult population. Unfortunately, less than 20 percent of adults with hearing loss actually seek a solution or wear a hearing aid. Those who do seek help wait an average of 10 years from their first diagnosis before being fit with hearing aids.

What can be done?

Treating hearing loss with hearing aids as soon as it’s detected is important. Not only will hearing aids improve hearing and quality of life, they can also help keep the mind sharp.

Hearing aid technology has significantly improved in recent years, both in style and in sound quality. Hearing aids today are better able to help individuals understand speech more clearly, even in the presence of significant background noise.  There are many different affordable options as well.  Here at Intermountain Medical Center, our pricing is extremely competitive.  With the variety of styles and prices available today, there’s no longer any need to put off getting a hearing aid.

Signs of hearing loss to watch for:

• Avoiding social situations
• Misinterpreting what was said
• Sitting quietly on the fringe of conversations — not taking part
• Turning up the TV or radio louder than what others feel is comfortable
• Frequently needing others to repeat what was said
• Hearing but not understanding what was said
• Experiencing Tinnitus or ringing in the ear

If you notice any of these signs, talk to your doctor or schedule an appointment for a hearing evaluation with an audiologist. They may be able to help you improve your hearing, which can improve your quality of life and possible delay the onset of dementia.