Do you always need to tell people to speak up during a conversation? If you’ve done that to a couple of people in quiet environments, then you may be in the early stages of hearing loss. And if you don’t quite remember certain incidents or what the conversation was about, this could also be a sign of memory loss. The loss of hearing and memory may not seem related, but there could be factors connecting these two things.
The Correlation Between Memory and Hearing
Signs of Aging
Both hearing loss and memory lapses are associated with aging. As you get older, so do your senses become more faulty. It’s not just limited to hearing and memory. The older people get, the more they are susceptible to eye strain and muscle pain.
Mental Exhaustion
When your brain is too tired to think, the tendency is to unintentionally ignore what someone said to you by not “hearing” it. A mind that can’t stay focused can create memory lapses because the brain is processing too much information. Lack of sleep and burnout can also cause lapses in your memory. All this and more can cause the brain to shut out sounds that it no longer has the energy nor patience to process.
The Deafening Silence
The absence of noise can impact your hearing and mind. When you hear nothing for long periods, the part of your brain that interprets sound may slow down. While this isn’t much of a problem for most, it can be a problem for retirees who live alone or away from the city.
Social Impact
Not being able to hear can strike down your self-esteem. People might not find it fun to talk to someone who needs to repeat things twice or talk just a little too loud. And the fewer people want to be around you, the more you might forget how to socialize, mingle, or have a decent conversation.
Is there a Direct Relationship between Hearing Loss and Memory Loss?
These are two separate issues that need to be addressed separately, though some studies show they can relate to one another. They are both symptoms of several conditions—aging being one of the biggest culprits. These two signs might mean that they either need to take things a little bit easier or experience a little more stimulation.
Hearing loss at its early stages is not easy to detect, though memory loss is. If you have noticed the signs of memory loss in yourself or a loved one, it is also recommended that you get a hearing test.
Conclusion
Hearing and memory loss are intertwined by many factors, including those you can control and those you cannot. If you can try to strain your brain a little less and socialize more, you can improve both your memory and your hearing. You may not be able to reverse aging, but you can keep your mind and body healthy to help decrease the likelihood of facing one or both of these problems.
If you have concerns about your hearing, you can visit an Abbotsford hearing clinic to get tested. Fraser Valley Beltone is an audiology clinic that provides excellent services and a caring approach to every patient that pays a visit. We can also provide you with high-quality hearing aids that can help you live your life with ease. Book an appointment with us now!