Studies: Hearing aids can reduce risk of dementia, but people may not be buying them over the counter
Studies: Hearing aids can reduce risk of dementia, but people may not be buying them over the counter KXAN.com
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Studies: Hearing aids can reduce risk of dementia, but people may not be buying them over the counter
Introduction
With more than 37 million adults suffering from hearing loss, usually only 20% get treatment. This article explores the benefits of hearing aids in reducing the risk of dementia and highlights the challenges in their accessibility.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The following SDGs are relevant to this topic:
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
- SDG 4: Quality Education
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
Benefits of Hearing Aids in Reducing Dementia Risk
Studies have shown that using hearing aids can significantly reduce the risk of dementia in individuals with hearing loss. By improving auditory input and reducing cognitive load, hearing aids help maintain cognitive function and delay the onset of dementia.
Challenges in Accessibility
Despite the proven benefits of hearing aids, many people do not have access to them. The following challenges contribute to the limited accessibility:
- Lack of awareness: Many individuals are unaware of the link between hearing loss and dementia, and the potential benefits of hearing aids in reducing the risk.
- Cost: Hearing aids can be expensive, making them unaffordable for many individuals, especially in low-income communities.
- Limited availability: Hearing aids may not be readily available over the counter, requiring individuals to seek professional assistance, which can be time-consuming and costly.
- Stigma: There is still a stigma associated with wearing hearing aids, which may discourage individuals from seeking treatment.
Addressing the Challenges
To ensure wider access to hearing aids and promote their use in reducing the risk of dementia, the following actions can be taken:
- Public awareness campaigns: Educate the public about the link between hearing loss and dementia, as well as the benefits of hearing aids.
- Affordability initiatives: Implement programs to make hearing aids more affordable, such as subsidies or insurance coverage.
- Improving availability: Increase the availability of hearing aids over the counter, reducing the need for professional assistance.
- Destigmatization efforts: Challenge societal perceptions and stereotypes surrounding hearing aids to encourage more people to seek treatment.
- Collaboration and partnerships: Foster collaborations between healthcare providers, policymakers, and relevant stakeholders to address the barriers to accessibility.
Conclusion
Hearing aids have the potential to reduce the risk of dementia in individuals with hearing loss. However, limited accessibility hinders their widespread use. By addressing the challenges and promoting the benefits of hearing aids, we can work towards achieving the SDGs of good health and well-being, quality education, reduced inequalities, sustainable cities and communities, and partnerships for the goals.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- No specific indicators are mentioned in the article.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being | Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one-third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being. | No specific indicators mentioned in the article. |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: kxan.com
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