What did you say? Hearing and cognitive loss are connected — where to get free exams
LEESBURG — Ignoring a hearing problem in its early stages could mean cognitive problems later on.
Recognizing that June is Alzheimer's and Brain Health Month, you may want to consider how well you're hearing these days.
"During June, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month resolve to take action on hearing loss," Dr. Kristen Weinbaum of Precision Hearing in Clermont, writes in a Facebook post.
"Research shows from mid-life, hearing loss is the biggest modifiable risk factor for the later development of dementia. Hearing aids can reduce your risk."
Mustering up the nerve to come in can be a challenge, but it's important to impress how important the hearing exam is and not to take no for an answer — whether for yourself or someone else.
"Often, a spouse, family member or domestic partner urges loved ones with hearing problems to visit a hearing doctor or audiologist," said Sam Inman, hearing instrument specialist with Beltone in Leesburg.
"Once fitted with hearing aids, they experience improvements in their social life. They're able to communicate with their loved ones. They're able to watch TV, and the volume goes down. They're actually able to go out and have a nice dinner somewhere and be able to carry a conversation with each other or possibly other people that are in their group."
Dr. Janet Choi, an otolaryngologist at Keck Medicine of USC, co-authored a study in The Lancet Healthy Longevity, finding that the regular use of hearing aids is associated with a 24% reduction in mortality among adults with hearing loss. Time magazine reported on the findings of Choi and her cohorts in a story earlier this year. In the story, we learn that research has tied hearing loss to structural changes, atrophy and tissue loss in parts of the brain, particularly those related to auditory processing.
Adults with untreated hearing loss are less likely to participate in organized social activities, which can lead to feelings of depression, says the Audiology Association.
Inman says that the isolation that results from depression leads to a lack of mental stimulation, which can result in cognitive impairment.
Inman recommends that everyone 70 and older, regardless of perceived hearing problems, get a free hearing test, at Beltone in Leesburg.
He also offers a complimentary "cognitive load test" in his Villages office at 2480 Burnsed Blvd., The Villages, to find out the extent of any cognitive decline.
Another cost-saving consideration is the availability of over-the-counter hearing aids.
The FDA estimates said that the OTC devices could save consumers about $2,800 for a pair of hearing aids. Some hearing aids cost upwards of $5,000, including the price of the device and a professional fitting. Medicare does not pay for the device.
The ruling, however, does not apply to children or adults with more severe types of hearing loss. People should seek medical care if they have more complex hearing loss or symptoms such as discomfort or bleeding, officials said.
Another situation to keep in mind is a growing shortage of hearing professionals, which may compound problems for procrastinators.
AI has even threatened to replace audiologists. Weinbaum says that the human touch can't be replaced. "In the battle between technology and human touch, it's clear — AI may assist, but the essence of audiology lies in our humanity."
The hearing aid specialist job market is expected to grow by 20.6% by 2026, says the U.S. Department of Labor & Statistics.
"More Americans are simply paying closer attention to their hearing health, and with that, jobs in hearing care are booming in reaction," Inman said. "As the hearing aid stigma continues to fortunately decline among the tens-of-millions of untreated Americans, coupled with reduced barriers such as easier access, lower cost and advanced technology — treating hearing loss continue to be a hugely growing field."
Find Beltone Hearing and Sam Inman at the Publix shopping center at Lake Harris, 27615 U.S. 27, Leesburg. Details: beltoneamerica.com/beltone-florida-locations/south-leesburg.
This article originally appeared on Daily Commercial: Brain health month: A hearing issue is brain problem too. Get tested.
