brain fitness hearing loss

How well a person manages hearing loss is determined by their brain power, new studies have revealed.

If you are beginning to feel the effects of hearing impairment, keeping the brain fit can give a boost to your health.

Research

One study found that there is likely a link between hearing loss and mental health problems. John Hopkins University and the American National Institute of Ageing also showed that hearing loss could speed up the loss of brain tissue. Further studies have shown that wearing digital hearing aids can play a key role in maintaining strong brain functions.

It’s not just hearing aids that help, but there are a number of life changes and daily activities that can boost brain power.

Routines can simplify our lives and help us to de-stress, but they are ordered and run by our subconscious meaning that they do not require excessive brain stimulation. The answer isn’t to change everything you do, every day, but to incorporate some extra brain exercise in order to stay mentally active.

Last year, researchers at King’s College in London studied the activities of almost 7,000 people – with some taking part in brain training games. Over a six-month period, those individuals were able to maintain stronger levels of cognitive function compared to those who did not play the brain games.

What you can change

Introduce some new activities: artistic or hands-on hobbies can positively affect brain function. Drawing, playing musical instruments and knitting are just some examples of the activities to take up. Whatever hobby you do decide to take up, make sure it’s something you love. A positive mental connection to an activity is another important factor involved in improved brain function.

Small brain workouts can go a long way. Some find Sudoku puzzles and crosswords useful, but there are also more practical options such as reading books out loud, taking new routes to work, joining social clubs and using your weaker hand for everyday tasks.

The Hearing Centre is a specialist centre dedicated to solving hearing problems in Leicester. Our centre provides a full spectrum of hearing services including; hearing tests, hearing aid fittings, wax removal, tinnitus treatments, noise protection, and swimming protection.

To book your hearing test click here or call us today on 0116 254 3909.