A massive study uncovered a startling link between difficulty hearing in noisy places and the risk of developing dementia.
When scientists followed over 80,000 adults aged 60 and older for eleven years, they discovered that difficulty hearing speech in noisy environments might be one of the STRONGEST predictors of dementia risk.
But that’s not all...
Many who had this problem were clueless. About HALF of the participants who failed a speech-in-noise hearing test thought their hearing was just fine.
In other words, you could have hearing difficulties and not even know it.
The study, published in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, revealed something even more surprising. Out of 14 different risk factors for dementia, hearing problems topped the list as one of the MOST significant.
Think about that. Not genetics, age, or even high blood pressure.
HEARING.
Scientists say there are several possible explanations for the link between hearing loss and memory problems: When you can't hear well, your brain works overtime to fill in the gaps. Social isolation, which is linked to dementia, often increases when hearing becomes difficult. Your brain may rewire to compensate for hearing loss, potentially affecting other cognitive functions. But it’s not all bad news because hearing is a risk factor you can do something about. You simply need to identify the problem early.
Warning signs to watch for include... Having trouble following conversations in restaurants or crowded places Frequently asking people to repeat themselves Finding it hard to understand people wearing masks Turning up the TV volume more than you used to However, remember that, in the end, you can’t trust your own judgment about your hearing. The study showed that many people with significant hearing difficulties didn't recognize they had a problem.
So, don't wait until you noticeit—because by then, you might have already missed the early warning signs.
If you're over 50, you should get your hearing checked as routinely as your annual physical or eye exam. Your brain health could depend on it.
Health and Happiness,
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
P.S. Delicious diet gives you SUPER hearing.
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SOURCE:
Jonathan S. Stevenson, Lei Clifton, Elżbieta Kuźma, Thomas J. Littlejohns, Speech-in-noise hearing impairment is associated with an increased risk of incident dementia in 82,039 UK Biobank participants, Alzheimer’s & Dementia, Volume 18, Issue 3, 3.22, Pages 445-456 |
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