Hearing Aids: A Game-Changing Solution for Dementia Prevention

Hearing Aids: A Game-Changing Solution for Dementia Prevention

Introduction

Did you know that hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of dementia? However, a groundbreaking study has revealed that hearing aids can protect against this risk. In this article, we’ll delve into the study’s findings, emphasizing the crucial role of hearing aids in mitigating the impact of hearing loss on cognitive decline. Discover how this cost-effective and minimally invasive treatment can potentially safeguard your brain health.

Understanding the Study: Unveiling the Connection

A large-scale study utilizing data from the UK Biobank, which involved over 400,000 individuals aged 40-69, has shed light on the relationship between hearing loss, hearing aid use, and dementia risk. The results were remarkable: people with untreated hearing loss had a staggering 42% increased risk of all-cause dementia compared to those without hearing loss. However, for individuals with hearing loss who used hearing aids, the risk of dementia was no higher than that of individuals without hearing loss.

Addressing Specifics: Hearing Aids and Dementia Risk

The positive association of hearing aid use with dementia prevention extended not only to all-cause dementia but also to cause-specific subtypes. The study estimated that hearing loss contributed to 29.6% of dementia cases. However, by utilizing hearing aids, individuals experienced a significant reduction in the risk of dementia.

Factors Contributing to Protection: Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Depressed Mood

The study also highlighted the role of hearing aids in reducing dementia risk through various mediating factors. The use of hearing aids was found to decrease social isolation by 1.5%, loneliness by 2.3%, and depressed mood by 7.1%. These factors have long been associated with cognitive decline, emphasizing the profound impact hearing aids can have on overall brain health.

The Urgency of Hearing Aid Adoption: Statistics and Recommendations

Alarmingly, among the study participants, only 11.7% of individuals with hearing loss reported using hearing aids, despite the prevalence of hearing loss increasing with age and being more common in men. As the evidence continues to build, experts warn that hearing loss may be the most impactful modifiable risk factor for dementia in mid-life. Taking action by adopting hearing aids early on can potentially prevent or delay the onset of dementia.

Hearing Aids and Cognitive Decline: Past Research and Future Possibilities

The study’s findings align with previous research from 2015, which demonstrated that the use of hearing aids almost eliminated cognitive decline. Moreover, the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care in 2020 suggested that hearing loss could be linked to approximately 8% of worldwide dementia cases. These findings further reinforce the significance of prioritizing hearing health as a crucial aspect of dementia prevention.

Conclusion: Embrace the Power of Hearing Aids

The evidence is undeniable: hearing aids offer a remarkable solution to protect against the risk of dementia. By reducing social isolation, loneliness, and depressed mood, hearing aids can mitigate the impact of hearing loss on cognitive decline. With their cost-effectiveness and minimally invasive nature, hearing aids provide an accessible and proactive approach to preserving brain health.

Remember, it’s never too early to prioritize your hearing health. By using hearing aids, you can potentially safeguard yourself against the risks of dementia and enjoy a fuller, more connected life.

 

Sources: 
https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(23)00048-8/fulltext

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37062296/

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2023/apr/13/hearing-aids-could-help-cut-the-risk-of-dementia-study-finds

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2023-04-aids-higher-dementia-loss.html

Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Treatment Solutions

Sensorineural Hearing Loss and Treatment Solutions

Introduction

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is the most common type of hearing loss, affecting millions of people worldwide. It occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. In this blog post, we’ll help you understand the causes and symptoms of SNHL and introduce the latest treatment solutions provided by our expert audiologists, ensuring you receive the best care for your hearing needs.

Causes and Symptoms of Sensorineural Hearing Loss

SNHL occurs when there is damage to the inner ear (cochlea) or the auditory nerve. Common causes include:

  1. Aging (presbycusis)
  2. Noise exposure
  3. Genetic factors
  4. Illnesses and infections
  5. Ototoxic medications
  6. Autoimmune disorders

Symptoms of SNHL may involve:

  1. Difficulty hearing in noisy environments
  2. Muffled or distorted sounds
  3. Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  4. Struggling to understand speech
  5. Difficulty distinguishing between similar-sounding words
  6. Needing to increase the volume on electronic devices

Preventing Sensorineural Hearing Loss

Taking steps to protect your hearing can help reduce your risk of developing SNHL:

  1. Avoid excessive noise exposure: Use noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs in loud environments, and keep the volume on electronic devices at a safe level.
  2. Schedule regular hearing check-ups: Early detection of hearing issues can help prevent further damage.
  3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking can promote better hearing health.
  4. Monitor medications: Consult with your doctor about the potential ototoxic effects of any medications you’re taking.

Innovative Treatment Solutions

Our team of skilled audiologists is dedicated to helping you find the most suitable treatment solution for your unique hearing needs:

  1. Advanced Hearing Aids: We offer a wide range of modern hearing aids with features such as noise reduction, directional microphones, and Bluetooth connectivity, ensuring you get the best device for your lifestyle.
  2. Cochlear Implants: For those with severe SNHL who don’t benefit from hearing aids, cochlear implants can provide a viable solution. These devices directly stimulate the auditory nerve, bypassing the damaged hair cells in the inner ear.
  3. Assistive Listening Devices (ALDs): ALDs, including FM systems and personal amplifiers, can help you hear better in challenging situations, such as noisy restaurants or group gatherings.
  4. Tinnitus Management: Our audiologists can help you find effective strategies to manage tinnitus, such as sound therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapy, or relaxation techniques.
  5. Customized Hearing Care: Our audiologists provide personalized care, including hearing tests, device fittings, and ongoing support to help you achieve optimal hearing.
  6. Communication Strategies: We can help you develop effective communication strategies, such as lip-reading, using visual cues, and assertive communication techniques.

Conclusion

If you suspect you or a loved one has sensorineural hearing loss, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of experienced audiologists. We’re here to help you understand your hearing loss and find the best treatment solution, so you can enjoy a better quality of life. Schedule a consultation with us today to take the first step toward better hearing and protect your most valuable asset – your ability to connect with others through sound.

Can Hearing Loss Really Lead to Memory and Cognitive decline?

Can Hearing Loss Really Lead to Memory and Cognitive decline?

Hearing loss is more common than you might think, affecting over half of all Australians over the age of 60. It is often described as an invisible impairment, as it generally progresses slowly and most people learn tricks and strategies (ie. lip reading) to fill in the gaps. This, in conjunction with the stigma associated with hearing loss and hearing aids, has contributed to the fact people wait 7 to 10 years on average before seeking treatment. Some early signs that you, or someone you know, may have a hearing loss include increased difficulty hearing in noisy situations, others complaining that the TV is too loud, and frequently asking for people to repeat themselves. Even if you are unsure if you have hearing loss, it is always a good idea to get an audiometric test to objectively measure your hearing.

Why is hearing so important?

  • Conversation
  • Cognitive Health and Agility
  • Safety and Awareness

If you suspect you, or someone you know, are hard of hearing and are having increasing difficulties engaging in conversations, it is important to get it checked as soon as possible. 

More and more studies are showing that untreated hearing loss can lead to memory and cognitive decline of up 5 times faster than average. As the population ages and modern medicine enables us to live longer, we want to ensure we are ageing well and living as comfortably as possible. With research showing the links between hearing loss and cognitive decline, depression, anxiety, and many other comorbidities, it has never been more important to check your hearing health.

Finally, hearing loss does not only affect our hearing and cognition, but also plays a role in our safety and awareness. Balanced hearing allows us to determine the direction sounds, providing spatial and environmental cues to keep you safe when walking or driving. Studies have also shown that even a mild loss can triple your risk of falls over the age of 40. Another important safety consideration is knowing when the fire alarm, carbon monoxide detector or doorbell is ringing. Thankfully with technology advances today there are devices with flashing lights or vibration motors to alert you in an emergency. 

In summary, hearing is not only important for understanding speech but also plays a vital role in maintaining healthy mental, social and physical wellness. For more information about hearing loss and dementia, visit dementia.org.au.

Share this page!

5 signs of investing in hearing aids

5 signs of investing in hearing aids

Are day-to-day conversations becoming harder to follow? It may be time to invest in your aural health

Hearing is a fundamental part of daily life. It affects our ability to communicate with others, interact with the world and perceive potential dangers in our surroundings. Without this critical sense, all of the sounds we take for granted – the ones that inform our critical decision making, like approaching cars or blaring fire alarms – disappear into stark silence.

The impacts of hearing loss can be far-reaching, whether the diagnosis is mild or profound. In Australia, the Department of Health estimates that 3.6 million people suffer from some form of hearing loss. Perhaps more astoundingly, they believe that 1.3 million of them live with an aural condition that could have been treated. Why? Because many dismiss the common symptoms of hearing loss.

Thankfully, modern technology has made hearing impairment easier to remedy than ever before. Many diagnoses once considered permanent can now be helped with hearing aids.

Here are five common signs that it may be time to invest in a hearing device.

1. You watch people’s lips to understand what they’re saying

It’s natural to watch a person’s mouth as they speak to clarify what they’re saying – particularly if you’re in a noisy space – but if you struggle to understand any speech without visibility of the speaker’s mouth, your hearing may be compromised.

Often people with hearing difficulties don’t even realise their reliance on lip reading until they’re left to interpret speech alone. Try listening to dialogue without looking at the speaker to test whether you’re able to follow along, or get lost without the visual aid. If you fail to keep up, a simple hearing aid may work wonders in filling the gaps in your comprehension.

2. You find group conversations impossible to follow

Group conversations are stressful at the best of times. From competing sounds to loud voices yelling over one another, it can be tricky for those with hearing loss to follow along and decipher conversation. Add the fact that group catch-ups tend to take place in public spaces with background noise, and you’re in for a challenge. 

There are various methods which may ease hearing difficulties, such as moving conversations to a quiet space, or asking your friends to speak slowly, but these are stop-gaps and not long-term solutions. 

3. You need the volume up loud or subtitles on to watch TV

Watching television can be particularly challenging for those with hearing difficulties. Of course, higher volume and closed captions can ease the frustration of missing key dialogue on screen, but it hardly matches the experience of comprehending speech in key scenes as they unfold. 

The depletion of hearing is one obvious reason why you may struggle to watch television without subtitles, but there are other contributing factors, too. These days, movies and television programs are heavily produced and typically feature loud background music to build suspense or create a mood. If the volume of background music is too high or the frequencies too similar, it’s common for all sounds to blend into indistinguishable noise – particularly for those with hearing difficulties.

Thankfully, hearing aids can correct this problem for many people and bring enjoyment back to the living room.

4. You find long conversations draining

One common, yet often overlooked symptom of hearing loss is the feeling of fatigue after long periods of conversation. Studies in this subsector of audiology are relatively limited, but preliminary results by leading experts, Professor Fred Bess and Benjamin W. Y. Hornsby, suggest that ‘sustained speech-processing demands in a noisy environment,’ can result in significant fatigue – both in children and adults.

If you find yourself overcome by tiredness after a long day of listening, it’s probably an indicator that you’d benefit from a hearing aid product. 

 

5. You struggle to hear people on the phone

Do phone calls conjure feelings of dread in the pit of your stomach? For many with hearing loss, whether diagnosed or not, speaking on the phone is one of the biggest challenges they face day-to-day. While it’s easy to chalk this difficulty up to phone volume or line clarity, there’s a scientific reason behind it. 

Current mobile phone technology transmits between 300–3,400 hertz – just a fragment of the audible sound spectrum. However, parts of human speech can contain much higher frequencies. Any sounds which sit above that range may therefore not be transmitted. Linda Kozma-Spytek – a senior research audiologist at Gallaudet University – explained to the Philadelphia Inquirer that those with regular hearing can “fill in the gaps subconsciously,” while others with hearing difficulties may not be able to discern between words which sound similar. 

So, if your phone volume is cranked up to maximum but you still find yourself asking ‘pardon?’ everytime you take a call, it might be time for an audiology appointment. 

Share this page!

Essential Considerations Before Buying a Hearing Aid

Essential Considerations Before Buying a Hearing Aid

Have you finally decided to purchase a hearing aid? If so, what are your concerns before buying? Some people are not interested in the preparation phase of treating their hearing loss. They immediately purchase the device, which is not advisable, especially if your hearing situation is significantly affecting the quality of your life.

A hearing aid is not a universal device, just as most medical assistive machines. Hearing aids today have different levels of technology which are dedicated to distinct types of hearing loss. Hearing specialists consider factors such as the severity of the hearing impairment in determining the frequency to be programmed. Aside from that, patients can also customise the size, look, and comfort of their personal hearing aid.

Before anything else…

This article has these two assumptions as you are reading this: You have already talked to your audiologist, or you are going to. If not, you must. According to Australia’s Department of Hearth, more than 1.3 cases of hearing problems could have been prevented.

Certified hearing specialists or audiologists must be in charge of prescribing your hearing device. They will diagnose the kind of hearing loss you have, and they will plan the best course of action for it.

Now, the questions…

After consulting an audiologist, styles of hearing aids are laid out for you to choose. You don’t have to decide immediately. Invest enough time and effort to gather all the information you can get so you don’t waste money.

Here the critical questions to ponder which will determine the perfect hearing aid for you:

 What is my lifestyle?

Health consultant from Monkeyfoodz, David Wilson says, “working out regularly and watching your diet are important aspects of maintaining your ear health. While most people believe that hearing loss happens naturally due to aging, certain nutritional patterns and physical activities may decrease your risk of developing loss of hearing. 

Observe your daily activities. Does it require you to expose yourself regularly in a setting full of noise? Is your occupation heavily reliant on people’s speech? Create a list of activities that comprise most of your day, and your plans for the future, as well. Digital hearing aids today have background noise removal features that fit individual patient’s needs. Describe your everyday listening situations to your audiologist so they can suggest the most suitable device for you.

What should my hearing aid look and feel like?

Comfort is always paramount when choosing hearing aids. There are standard and custom-made devices. When trying hearing aids, feeling a little different and sweaty due to unfamiliarity is fine. But if you feel an itch, pain, or rubbing sensation, tell your audiologist right away.

You can also specify its appearance. Do you want a tubing inside your ear? Or attaching it on the back is enough? Do you want a specific colour to match your skin tone? If you are conscious about these attributes, then make sure to clarify it with your hearing specialist.

Do you want connectivity to external devices such as smartphones and TV?

On the surface, it seems like there is no reason to turn down this wireless innovation. However, it still depends on you. If your hearing device has Bluetooth capabilities, it’s possible to stream movies and shows directly from your TV. Some still prefer the old school types, as they want simplicity and precise controls.

Am I financially ready to purchase and maintain hearing aids?

The typical lifespan of a standard hearing aid is five years. Also, be wary of the warranty of your device. Some plans offer a trial period, as well. Here at Ear and Hearing Australia, we provide hearing assessment and rehabilitation to pensioners and veterans. Explore the financial plans of your desired hearing clinic and carefully balance the options. Always remember that hearing aids is a lifetime commitment.

Researching on your own is fine, but can sometimes be a drag, especially with the digital advent of false claims everywhere. Hearing aids cannot fully restore your hearing, stay away from advertisements that say otherwise.

For hearing problems assistance, reach us by requesting an appointment through our website. We welcome all kinds of inquiry about hearing and communication.

Share this page!

It’s time to hear what everyone has to offer.

It’s time to hear what everyone has to offer.

It’s time to hear what everyone has to offer.

Hearing loss results in communication difficulties which can affect relationships, careers and quality of life.

Hearing is fundamental to work meetings, client phone calls and interactions with colleagues. It’s frustrating for your workmates if they have to repeat themselves all the time.

Being in noisy environments such as restaurants and family gatherings can (also) be difficult. Most people start to avoid social situations altogether, which can lead to isolation and depression.

Hearing aids have improved patients’ relationships, social lives and physical and mental health… “People who use hearing aids generally report noticeable improvements to their wellbeing and quality of life.”

After treatment, Dr Dadafarin reports patients have found they can better engage in conversation with family and friends, watch television at a normal volume and speak with people by phone with ease. Patients also feel more independent and self-confident after treatment, notice a difference in their relationships with family and friends, and may have greater engagement in the workplace.

“Modern hearing aids are very advanced and perform significantly better than older hearing aid models in noisy situations,” he says.

“They’re more discreet. Most are rechargeable and they can connect to your electronic devices such as smartphones and smart TVs. Some (hearing aids) can be inserted into your ears and stay for months at a time, even while showering, exercising and sleeping.”

Read more