Through decades of research, it has been established that hearing loss intensifies the potential for dementia later on.
However, an additional element is coming to the surface, in regard to this fact. It concerns the idea that since hearing loss can increase dementia risk, hearing aids can then be used to diminish this potential.
The research on this subject continues. In the present, the information we have on this issue is quite frankly staggering. If you are concerned about the risk of dementia in yourself, your parents, or anyone you love, you will want to strongly consider the possibility of hearing aids.
Hearing Loss And Dementia
One recent French study followed thousands of older French patients for twenty-five years.
“One of the most intriguing elements of this study revealed that hearing aids were capable of protecting the wearer against cognitive declines”.
Those who used the devices were revealed to experience memory problems at roughly the same rate as those who didn’t use the devices.
This is proving to be a massive finding for seniors, their families, and for the health community at large. In particular, this news can prove to be enormously beneficial to the families of those who might be at risk for dementia.
One of the many consequences of dementia is the enormous financial hardship it can place on the family, particularly in terms of caregiving expenses.
Over two-hundred-and-twenty-six billion was spent on caring for dementia patients in the U.S. alone, and that was only for the year 2015. The costs to Medicare and Medicaid were somewhere over one-hundred-and-fifty billion. Hearing aids can potentially some of these costs.
However, it is important to remember one of the more difficult elements to implementing more wide-spread hearing aid usage. This would concern the costs involved with purchasing hearing aids, which can prove to be astronomical to many.
Can Hearing Aids Help to Prevent Dementia?
Hearing aids can cost anywhere between two thousand to three thousand dollars for a single unit. Many private insurance carriers will not cover them. The same can be said for Medicare.
Part of the problem stems from earlier notions that hearing was a natural element to aging, and therefore didn’t need to be covered. Attitudes towards hearing loss have changed dramatically since that time period, over four decades, but the bias against hearing aids continues.
“This is even in the face of studies that show that even moderate hearing loss in an individual can more than triple their risk for dementia”.
Furthermore, hearing loss can also contribute strongly to such conditions as feelings of intense social isolation, depression, and anxiety. All of these things can further weaken the mind of an aging individual.
You should also keep the potential physical consequences in mind. Studies have indicated that even partial hearing loss can significantly heighten the chances of an individual having an accident through falling. This risk is particularly significant among those sixty-five or older.
The Benefits Of Hearing Aids For Dementia Risk
Yet another element to consider with hearing loss, hearing aids, and the risk for dementia is the subject of untreated hearing loss. Simply put, far too many people go on without doing something about their hearing loss.
There are even situations in which some people do not notice that they have begun to lose their hearing until it is too late to do anything about it.
There is also the social stigma associated with hearing loss. For many people, hearing loss is equated with aging, death, or weakness. Keeping all of these things in mind, it’s understandable as to why someone may not deal with their hearing loss in a timely, proactive fashion.
However, as the link between hearing loss and dementia becomes more and more pronounced, the urgency for people to be more aware of potential hearing loss increases to a dramatic degree.
Likewise, those who have loved ones who are at risk for hearing loss need to be more proactive about noticing the symptoms of hearing loss.
By being able to recognize such symptoms as difficulty in distinguishing sounds, or difficulty in being able to understand what someone is saying without looking at their mouths, those with elderly parents/friends/relatives can take steps to assist those they care about with offsetting hearing loss consequences.
“Hearing aids can go a long way toward offsetting these consequences”.
In terms of how to pay for hearing aids, there are several possibilities one can explore
- Veterans Administration – Veterans who qualify can get everything they need after an examination.
- Federal Employee Benefits Options – Blue Cross/Blue Shield can cover a significant portion of the costs associated with hearing aids.
- Other Insurance Options – You may qualify for a plan that offers coverage/discounts with a contracted provider.
- Loan – The RESNA Alternative Financing and Telework Technical Assistance Project can connect you to an assisting technology loan program. CareCredit offers yet another possibility.