Could ear wax be impairing your cognitive health? By impairing your hearing, it might. And experts say that we might all benefit by taking note of this seemingly harmless substance that most of us give little notice to. Paying attention to ear wax may be especially important for anyone caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease and older people who wear hearing aids.
Scientists increasingly recognize the importance of good hearing for brain health. In terms of modifiable risk factors for developing dementia, poor hearing has more of an impact than smoking, high blood pressure and lack of exercise. One analysis found that preventing or treating hearing loss in middle age has the potential to cut the likelihood of developing dementia years down the road by almost 10 percent.
Loss of hearing can contribute to social isolation, a known risk factor for…
