Can You Hear Me Now? Examining the Relationship of Hearing Loss to Dementia

What is the relationship between hearing loss - the third leading cause of chronic disability in older adults - and risk of cognitive impairment and dementia? We dig into the research in this episode: https://bit.ly/4eUuQ7N

Age-related hearing loss – which is the third leading cause of chronic disability in older adults – has been shown to be associated with increased risk of cognitive impairment and dementia. Hearing loss also causes worse health care professional–patient communication, more frequent hospitalization, more social isolation, functional declines, and falls. Hearing loss can be well-managed with hearing aids, yet most people refuse to wear them.

In this Episode:

• 05:46 – Heart Healthy is also Brain Healthy
• 13:57 – Recipe of the Week: Classic Spinach Quiche
• 15:44 – What Does Research Say About Hearing Loss and Dementia, and Can Hearing Aids Slow it?
• 38:51 – Don’t Wear Your Hearing Aids? You’re Not Alone
• 48:59 – Outro

What are the parts of my auditory system?

• Your auditory system (hearing system) consists of many different parts, including your: Outer ear, Middle ear, inner ear, and auditory nervous system.  Successful hearing requires all these parts to function properly.

In this episode we talk about the importance of hearing and the relationship of hearing loss to dementia. Refer to the above image when Marianne describes the anatomy of the ear.

What Do I Need to Know About Hearing Loss?

• About 38 percent of adults between the ages of 65 and 75 have age-related hearing loss—and this climbs to 54 percent in the years after that. Don’t wait to see an audiologist for an exam and treatment.

Is Hearing Loss Permanent?

• The most common type of hearing loss is sensorineural (permanent), but there are a few causes of hearing loss that can be curor surgery. See an audiologist for a diagnosis and treatment plan.

What foods will help me keep my hearing?

• Fish, Citrus Fruits, Dark Green Veggies, Eggs, cantaloupes, bananas, dark chocolate, garlic, whole grains, milk

What Do I Need to Know About Hearing aids?

• Hearing aids are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid, so you will have to pay for them if those are your only insurance. Despite price, they all work in the same way. If you go through an audiologist, they will usually bundle their services for one price (cost of hearing aid, fitting appointments, training on how to use, follow-up visits and repair. Big-box stores also sell these devices, so it makes sense to shop around.

#hearingloss #hearingaids #dementia #cognitiveimpairment #socialisolation #audiology #canyouhearmenow #elders #aging

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