Cochlear Implant reduces dementia

Hearing loss has been linked to dementia, walking problems, and falls. In addition, it has been shown to contribute to depression and other mental health disorders in the elderly. It causes frustration and lower quality of life for the loved ones of patients with hearing loss. The relationship between hearing loss and these other problems continues to become more apparent and better defined as additional quality research is published. We know that moderate hearing loss triples the likelihood a patient will develop dementia. Patients with severe hearing loss has 5 times the probability of developing dementia.

Now that we know the problems hearing loss causes, research is being done to determine what happens when we rehabilitate hearing. If we help the elderly to hear better, will it improve their dementia, mental health, and activity? Several studies have, indeed, confirmed that by improving hearing we can help reduce the effects of dementia. One recent study looked at 33 patients between the ages of 65 and 86 who underwent cochlear implantation. Cochlear implantation is only done in patients with severe hearing loss. Patients were administered a test battery for cognitive function before and 6 months after cochlear implantation. The retest at 6 months showed improvement in the tested cognitive domains in all patients. In fact, the researchers found that their cochlear implant patients exceeded the results of a standard population of age matched patients who did not have hearing loss.

The point is, hearing is effects more than just communication. It is critical to maintain mental and emotional health in the elderly. It also helps maintain some levels of physical activity.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our hearing loss treatment clinic.