BrainNation Vol2Iss1 LoRes SinglePages - Flipbook - Page 14
their brains stay more engaged
and may be able to rise above
or work around the weakened
regions of their gray matter.
Might Prevent Brain Shrinkage
As people age, certain brain areas
naturally shrink. However, brain
scans show that hearing loss
speeds up this shrinkage, especially
in areas related to memory and
language. Using hearing aids or
other hearing supports keeps
these areas active and may slow
age-related changes over time.
Improves Focus and Attention
Struggling to hear can make
concentrating difficult, especially
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in noisy places. The brain works
extra hard to make sense of
sounds, leading to fatigue and
trouble focusing. Better hearing
reduces this strain, making
staying alert and engaging in
conversations or tasks easier.
Helps Social Connections
Strong social connections are
essential for brain health.
Conversations and interactions
keep the brain active and prevent
loneliness. But people with
hearing loss often withdraw from
social events due to difficulty
understanding speech. This
isolation can lead to depression
and cognitive decline. By improving
Better Brain Nation Magazine • Volume 2 | Issue 1