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It’s very rare that one condition affects only one part of the body. The body is made up of many connective systems and so when one system goes, others suffer. Case in point, hearing loss doesn’t solely affect your ability to hear. It can affect your entire body.

Hearing loss, as of yet, cannot be reversed so it’s important to take the necessary steps to maintain proper hearing. And don’t think it’s too late – no matter your age you can still take appropriate measures to protect your hearing and ensure you don’t develop any of these other effects.

 

Hearing loss greatly impacts brain health in a variety of ways. For starters, as one study found, hearing loss may reduce cognitive function. Researchers from John Hopkins University tested the cognitive function of 235 older men and women over the span of20 years. Their results found that among those who experienced hearing loss they also experienced higher rates of cognitive decline including a reduction in memory and mental abilities.

 

Additional research in JAMA Otalaryngol Head and Neck Surgery found that among elderly patients who were deaf, the use of cochlear implants – a hearing device implanted in the ear – improved cognitive function. Researchers also found an improvement of memory and mental flexibility after a one year follow-up with participants who used the implant.

 

Continue reading at Hearing loss affects brain function, Preventing hearing loss