Recent studies at Johns Hopkins University have linked hearing loss to the onset of Alzheimer's disease. One statistic shows that men with hearing loss have a 69% higher risk of developing Alzheimer's compared to those with good hearing!
In other words, people with hearing loss are almost 2 times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease. Hearing loss is not just an ear condition, it's also a brain issue: lack of sensory stimulation and information processing can lead to a degradation of brain functions, which can promote Alzheimer's and other disorders.
We have gathered additional information on hearing loss and Alzheimer's disease, and how they influence each other.
Why does hearing loss promote Alzheimer's disease?
1. A decrease in auditory brain activity.
Hearing activates the auditory area of the brain, and when hearing loss sets in, this area has to work harder. This results in brain tissue loss and brain reorganization, the first link to Alzheimer's disease.
2. Cognitive load.
When hearing is poor, the brain has to expend much more effort to follow conversations. This leaves fewer mental resources for memory and other functions.
3. Social isolation.
Hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation with profound emotional and physical consequences. Beyond discomfort, social isolation can cause physical and chemical changes in the brain associated with depression and other syndromes.
The 5 senses: use them or lose them
When hearing loss sets in, one of your senses deteriorates. And the worse it gets, the more your brain deteriorates.
With hearing aids, you can prevent this phenomenon: you allow your brain to hear more and you prevent this area from deteriorating.
Without them, a part of your brain deteriorates, which paves the way for Alzheimer's, dementia, and depression.
The more severe your hearing loss, the greater the risk of developing dementia or other mental disorders. This risk is multiplied by 3 in cases of moderate hearing loss and by 5 in cases of severe hearing loss.
What should I do if I suffer from hearing loss?
If you think you have hearing loss, we recommend having your hearing tested. Several free tests are available online, or you can have your hearing tested at an audiology center by an audiologist.
If your hearing loss is severe to profound, we recommend consulting an audiologist and an ENT doctor. At this level, a more advanced solution may be necessary. In rare cases, the cause of your hearing loss is a pathology that must be treated before wearing any hearing aids. It is always better to get evaluated to be sure.
If your hearing loss is mild to moderately severe, less advanced solutions can already bring significant improvement. Our rechargeable hearing aids are among the cheapest on the market: starting at $89 per pair for our EV1 hearing aids and only $249 per pair for our high-end EV3 hearing aids.
Your hearing solution depends on your level of hearing loss and your budget. Keep these two criteria in mind, and if you don't need an ultra-sophisticated or overpriced device, try us! With a 45-day money-back guarantee, you take no risk.
Thank you for reading, and happy journey to better hearing!
