If you cannot hear well, you may want to get your ears checked by an audiologist. Hearing loss will not only cause you to suffer with the quality of your life, but studies also show that it is linked to dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Dementia and Alzheimer's: Diseases That Steal The Brain

Both of these diseases are known for stealing a person's memories. If you are affected by this, the symptoms can be hard to detect at first, but they will worsen and there is no cure for either of these diseases. Little by little, you will forget things. You may forget past memories, who people are, or who you are.

While it's hard to determine exactly what causes these diseases, studies are now showing that they often occur from brain shrinkage. Brain shrinkage naturally occurs over time, but hearing loss is something that can lead to shrinkage in the brain.

Why This Happens

Although it is not completely clear why this happens, researchers believe that brain shrinkage occurs with hearing loss because the brain is not being stimulated enough. When you cannot hear well, you will begin losing part of life. This may cause a disconnection between your brain and the things that are going on around you.

Because of this, your brain is not receiving signals like it once did, and this is why the brain begins to shrink. The brain needs stimulation in order for it to work, which is why doctors recommend brain exercises. Brain exercises keep the brain healthy and functioning properly, and completing brain exercises can actually help prevent problems in the future.

Ways To Prevent This

One of the most logical ways to prevent brain loss is by treating your hearing loss. The first step in this is getting help from an audiologist. Through a standard hearing test, an audiologist can determine if you have hearing loss and the extent of the hearing loss.

Treating this condition often involves using hearing aids, but there are also times when surgery may be required. Getting hearing aids will not only help you hear better, but it may also help you:

• Regain the quality of life you once had
• Feel less isolated
• Prevent developing dementia or Alzheimer's disease

If you would like to learn more about hearing loss and treatment options, contact a clinic, like Toronto Hearing Services, in your area to set up an appointment for a hearing test.