Hearing Aids and Brain Function

Overview

We all know hearing aids help you communicate. But did you know that hearing aids may also improve your brain function and memory? Let's learn more about that.

Brain strain

When you have hearing loss, your brain does extra work to make sense of the sounds around you. You may have to really concentrate to understand what others are saying. You may also have to pay attention to a person's lips as they speak and to other cues around you to help you understand what you're hearing. All of this extra work robs your brain of the energy it needs for thinking and remembering. Over time, this constant strain on your brain increases your risk for dementia.

How hearing aids help

How do hearing aids help your brain? Well, because they help you hear speech and other sounds more clearly, the constant strain on your brain is reduced. This gives your brain more power to process speech. It gives your brain more power to remember what you hear. By reducing brain strain, you help protect your brain from dementia.

Conclusion

If you think you may be experiencing hearing loss, don't ignore it. Talk to your doctor or hearing specialist to find out if hearing aids are right for you.

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.