Hearing loss makes it harder to connect with the world around you. Struggling to hear during a meeting at work or in conversation with friends while dining at Lozano’s can leave you feeling frustrated, anxious and depressed.
Some people with hearing loss may notice that they are struggling to even remember what was said during their conversations with others. This can be a worrying development that leaves you feeling insecure about communicating and concerned for your health.
Is Your Memory Loss a Sign of Dementia?
If you are struggling with memory loss you may be concerned that it is something more serious like dementia. Hearing loss does put people at a greater risk for dementia, so if you have concerns or notice other symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor to get checked out.
However, unless you have additional symptoms of dementia, it is more likely that your memory issues are due to your hearing loss making it difficult to retain information.
How Hearing Loss Affects Memory
Studies have shown that hearing loss is associated with reduced memory capacity. This is because people with hearing loss must concentrate much harder to recognize sounds. This is especially true in situations where there’s a lot of background noise or multiple people are speaking all at once. The energy it takes to concentrate on what is being said means your brain doesn’t have enough energy to also retain the information.
Anxiety, Depression and Isolation Worsen the Problem
Needing to put that much effort into engaging in conversation can be exhausting. You can also experience feelings of frustration and embarrassment that you can’t remember what is being said. This can lead you to isolate yourself from others. Isolation means your brain is exposed to less stimulation, which negatively affects your ability to recall information.
Similarly, hearing loss can lead to increased feelings of anxiety and depression. When people are anxious or depressed it can change the way their brain functions. This can also contribute to memory loss.
Hearing Aids Can Help Your Memory
If your memory issues are related to your hearing loss, hearing aids may be the answer. Hearing aids help maximize your hearing capability so that you aren’t struggling to understand what is being said. They help put less strain on your brain and give you the ability to focus on retaining information.
Wearing hearing aids also reduces social isolation, anxiety and depression. They allow you to feel more confident and continue your normal social lifestyle filled with activities that bring you joy. This keeps your brain stimulated and your memory working well.
To learn more about memory and hearing loss or to schedule an appointment with a hearing expert, contact Today’s Hearing.