Tinnitus can be a frustrating problem to experience, but studies show that it’s more than a frustration for many people. It’s linked to cognitive disorders and decline. We’re going to talk more about this so you can gain a better understanding of that link.
Luckily, there are treatment options out there for people experiencing problems such as tinnitus and hearing loss; those two things can be linked, of course. So, if you are suffering from tinnitus, finding the right support from an audiologist is the wisest thing you can do.
Trying to interpret sounds when you have tinnitus can put a strain on the mind
When you have tinnitus, you sometimes have to strain to follow conversations and focus on particular sounds. When this happens, it puts more of a strain on your mind, and it’s this that’s linked to cognitive decline and developing problems in that department. It’s challenging and takes its toll in the end.
Many people don’t realize how much of an impact it’s having on them because interpreting sounds can seem like something easy and straightforward, but, unfortunately, that’s not true. We interact with others every day, and when that becomes difficult for you to do, it’s going to have an impact in the end.
Studies have found people with hearing loss are at higher risk of cognitive impairment
Research determined people who have hearing loss are at greater risk of cognitive impairment and other mental problems than those who don’t have hearing loss. This link goes to show how much of an impact our hearing has on our mental capacity, especially as we get older.
This is important because tinnitus is linked to hearing loss and can be categorized as a form of hearing loss if the problem is severe enough. It also goes to show that it’s important to receive help and treatment for any hearing problems you might be having before your cognitive abilities are impaired too.
Social isolation can contribute to these problems too
It’s not just the physical problem of hearing loss that can impact your cognitive abilities either. It’s also the case that social isolation can speed up your cognitive decline and lead to a range of mental health problems. When people can no longer hear the way they used to, they can find conversations difficult.
This then leads to social isolation as they choose to withdraw from conversations and social situations because they want to avoid the embarrassment of not being able to take part as a result of their hearing issues. It’s a vicious cycle that can accelerate the kinds of problems we’re talking about.
Tinnitus can disrupt cognitive performance
Cognitive performance can be disrupted as a direct result of having your hearing impaired by tinnitus. When you have a constant ringing sound in your ears, it becomes tough to concentrate and focus on the things you’re doing. By disrupting your concentration, your overall cognitive performance can start to be impacted too.
If you’ve been suffering from tinnitus for a while, this inability to concentrate on things fully and properly is most likely something that you’ve already experienced yourself. It’s never a pleasant thing, but there are treatment options out there, so don’t feel like you have to put up with the situation because that’s not true at all.
Prevention is better than cure, and it’s often too late for cures
It’s vital to remember that when it comes to the link between tinnitus and cognitive disorders, prevention is always better than cure. By the time cognitive damage has been done, it’s often too late to do much about it because it’s not the kind of thing that can be easily reversed.
This is why it is so crucial to seek treatment from an audiologist when you notice symptoms developing. That way, they can address symptoms with a recommended solution before they eventually lead to any kind of irreversible cognitive decline.
If you’re seeking help for tinnitus or another auditory-related condition, talk to the audiologists at Audiological Services of San Francisco. We’re more than happy to book an appointment for you and find a solution that works for you. The sooner you get treatment, the better it’ll be for your long-term cognitive health. Our phone number is 415-346-6886, so don’t hesitate to contact us today!
