{"id":789,"date":"2022-03-17T21:48:30","date_gmt":"2022-03-18T01:48:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wilmingtonaudiology.com\/?p=789"},"modified":"2022-03-17T21:49:06","modified_gmt":"2022-03-18T01:49:06","slug":"study-finds-unexpected-brain-shrinkage-in-patients-with-hearing-loss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wilmingtonaudiology.com\/study-finds-unexpected-brain-shrinkage-in-patients-with-hearing-loss\/","title":{"rendered":"Study Finds Unexpected Brain Shrinkage in Patients with Hearing Loss"},"content":{"rendered":"

Researchers are constantly looking for more information to explain the connection between hearing loss<\/a> and dementia. A new study out of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine sheds more light on just how hearing loss affects the brain.<\/p>\n

Hearing Loss Associated with More Brain Shrinkage \"Doctor<\/h2>\n

The study compared MRIs of people with Alzheimer\u2019s Disease (AD) and hearing loss to those with AD and normal hearing. Researchers had expected to find changes to the temporal lobe since that is the brain\u2019s auditory and language processing center.<\/p>\n

However, they actually found a higher incidence of shrinkage in the brainstem and cerebellum<\/a> in patients with both hearing loss and AD.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis is a surprising finding but one that relates to newer studies that link Alzheimer\u2019s Disease with dysfunction in auditory function<\/a> which requires cerebellar activation,\u201d said Susie Kwok, medical student and collaborator on the study.<\/p>\n

Hopefully, these findings can offer insight into early detection and treatment options of dementia in those with hearing loss.<\/p>\n

Hearing Problems May Quicken Cognitive Decline<\/h2>\n

When you have untreated hearing loss you miss out on certain sounds. The parts of your brain that process these sounds no longer get the same amount of stimulation they once did. It\u2019s possible that a lack of stimulation can lead to shrinkage or atrophy, much like the Carle Illinois College of Medicine showed.<\/p>\n

Another thing that happens when you have hearing loss is that your brain is forced to work harder to process sound and speech. When you have to spend much more mental energy than you used to trying to follow the conversation at La Fia Bistro<\/a> you experience mental fatigue. Over time this can negatively impact brain function.<\/p>\n

Lastly, people with hearing loss are more likely to be socially isolated. It\u2019s easy to grow frustrated or anxious when you struggle to hear, and you may prefer to spend more time alone. The problem is that not engaging with others can further deprive your brain of stimulation and possibly accelerate cognitive problems.<\/p>\n

\u00a0Can Hearing Aids Prevent Cognitive Decline?<\/h2>\n

Hearing aids<\/a> may be able to prevent or delay the onset of cognitive decline and dementia by ensuring your brain gets the stimulation it needs and isn\u2019t overburdened. They can help you:<\/p>\n