The Connection Between Hearing & Ophthalmology
At first glance, it may seem like our five senses operate independently from each other. However, our sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch may be more interconnected than you think.
Our brain uses information received from each sense to form an idea of what’s happening in the world around us. If one sense fails, another sense will work harder to relay information. If our vision fails, our hearing will work to pick up the slack. Likewise, if our hearing fails, our vision will work to counterbalance the loss.
Hearing and sight work together in subtle ways and influence each other’s perception every day. A familiar example may be having to turn down music in a car to concentrate on driving. As you age, both of these senses may deteriorate at a similar pace. Which is why it’s recommended to be evaluated for both senses if you notice one of them failing.
Research shows that hearing loss of any kind tends to limit social engagement and quality of life. (Graydon et al., 2019)
Did you know that Americans fear developing Alzheimer’s or dementia more than cancer, stroke, or any other life-threatening illness?
According to a 2012 poll by the Marist Institute for Public Opinion, this is a major concern. Currently, an estimated 5.5 million Americans are living with this illness, and by 2050, that number is expected to triple. Importantly, dementia is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Recent studies indicate that lifestyle-related risk factors, such as physical activity and social interaction, can influence the development of cognitive impairment.
So, what does this have to do with hearing loss?
Social engagement and activity are vital for cognitive function, and studies, including one by Hwang et al. in 2018, have shown that people who are less socially active are more likely to experience cognitive decline. This underscores the importance of addressing hearing loss, as it can significantly impact social participation and, subsequently, cognitive health.