Cognition and brain health has become a major topic in the world of healthcare, especially in the past couple of years. Patients often ask us as hearing healthcare professionals, “What is the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive health? Does my hearing loss relate to my brain?
Introduction:
Hearing loss is often considered an isolated condition, primarily affecting one’s ability to perceive sound. However, recent research has shed light on a surprising and significant connection between hearing loss and an increased risk of falls. This silent link emphasizes the importance of addressing hearing health not only for improved communication but also for overall safety and well-being.
48 million Americans have significant hearing loss. 1 out of 3 people over age 65 have some degree of hearing loss. 2 out of 3 people over 75 have a hearing loss. 14% of those ages 45-64 have some type of hearing loss.
1) Age Related Hearing Loss:
The most common cause of hearing loss is presbycusis,
There are several ways of evaluating how well a hearing aid compensates for hearing loss. Below are three of the most common options.
Audiometry
One approach is audiometry, which measures a subject’s hearing levels in laboratory conditions. The advantage of testing in a lab is that threshold levels for various sounds and intensities can be measured under a variety of conditions.
According to the National Institutes of Health, you may have a hearing problem if you answer yes to three or more of the questions below. If you do, you should consider setting up an appointment with a doctor that specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the ear,
If you have started to read my posts, you may notice that I’m becoming a fan of Jane Brody and her pieces in the New York Times.
Here is another example of how she advances our understanding on how hearing loss can cost you far more than just your ability to hear.
A recent study from Johns Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging has found that for older adults with impaired hearing, brain tissue loss happens faster than it does for those with normal hearing.
The results and conclusions are effectively summarized in this article from Hub,
This article from The Hearing Review offers terrific insight into a new long-term study that shows how wearing hearing aids can reduce cognitive decline associated with hearing loss, and may motivate older adults to finally seek the professional care they need.
The study a
I’d like to draw your attention to a wonderful article written by Jane Brody and recently featured in the NY Times. It chronicles the ups and downs of people who need hearing aids but face a myriad of obstacles, many self-imposed, in choosing whether to buy,
According to the Better Hearing Institute, keeping the people you love who are struggling with hearing loss in the conversation and part of the celebration is one of the most meaningful things you can do this holiday season.
They identify nine areas (or tips) that you can use to make a difference in the lives of impacted friends and family,
