AGE-RELATED HEARING LOSS & COGNITIVE DECLINE

Approximately one in three people in the United States between the ages of 65 and 74 has hearing loss, and nearly half of those older than 75 have difficulty hearing. Having trouble hearing can make it hard to understand and follow a doctor's advice, respond to warnings, and hear phones, doorbells, and smoke alarms. Hearing loss can also make it hard to enjoy talking with family and friends, leading to feelings of isolation.

Age-related hearing loss most often occurs in both ears, affecting them equally. Because the loss is gradual, if you have age-related hearing loss you may not realize that you've lost some of your ability to hear.

There are many causes of age-related hearing loss. Most commonly, it arises from changes in the inner ear as we age, but it can also result from changes in the middle ear, or from complex changes along the nerve pathways from the ear to the brain. Certain medical conditions and medications may also play a role.

Why do we lose our hearing as we get older?

Many factors can contribute to hearing loss as you get older. It can be difficult to distinguish age-related hearing loss from hearing loss that can occur for other reasons, such as long-term exposure to noise.

Noise-induced hearing loss is caused by long-term exposure to sounds that are either too loud or last too long. This kind of noise exposure can damage the sensory hair cells in your ear that allow you to hear. Once these hair cells are damaged, they do not grow back and your ability to hear is diminished.

Conditions that are more common in older people, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, can contribute to hearing loss. Medications that are toxic to the sensory cells in your ears (for example, some chemotherapy drugs) can also cause hearing loss.

Rarely, age-related hearing loss can be caused by abnormalities of the outer ear or middle ear. Such abnormalities may include reduced function of the tympanic membrane (the eardrum) or reduced function of the three tiny bones in the middle ear that carry sound waves from the tympanic membrane to the inner ear.

Most older people who experience hearing loss have age-related hearing loss.

Can I prevent age-related hearing loss?

At this time, scientists don't know how to prevent age-related hearing loss. However, you can protect yourself from noise-induced hearing loss by protecting your ears from sounds that are too loud and last too long. It's important to be aware of potential sources of damaging noises, such as loud music, firearms, snowmobiles, lawn mowers, and leaf blowers. Avoiding loud noises, reducing the amount of time you're exposed to loud noise, and protecting your ears with ear plugs or ear muffs are the only things you can do to protect your hearing and limit the amount of hearing you might lose as you get older.

What to do in case you have trouble hearing?

Hearing problems can be serious. The most important thing you can do if you think you have a hearing problem is to seek advice from your primary care physician, an otolaryngologist, or an audiologist. Each has a different type of training and expertise. Each can be an important part of your hearing health care. However, the most important professional in your hearing health care journey will be an audiologist.

The connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline

Multiple studies have tackled the issue. One meta-analysis from February analyzed 11 studies dating back to 2016 to find that older people with moderate to severe hearing impairment had a 29 to 57 percent greater risk of cognitive impairment than those with normal hearing. It did not find that wearing hearing aids reduced the risk.

A 2016 study analyzing health insurance claims of 154,783 seniors concluded that hearing impairment increases the risk of dementia and that to some extent this happens regardless of medical treatment. Though the authors said hearing aids might delay or prevent dementia, they didn’t have details on whether patients were prescribed hearing aids or were using them regularly.

However, a 2017 article in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience cited two studies that found people wearing hearing aids improved their performance on cognitive tests. The article said hearing aids, when prescribed at the beginning of age-related hearing loss, can postpone cognitive side effects.

Most types of hearing loss occur gradually over time making it hard for you or a loved one to notice there has been a change in hearing. Just like vision and dental care it is always a good idea to have your hearing evaluated once per year.

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Did You Know? Hearing Loss Could Increase Your Risk of Falling.

February 12, 2025

Hearing loss isn’t just about missing out on conversations or not hearing your favorite shows—it could actually be affecting your balance, too. If you didn’t know that you’re not alone. Many people don’t realize that untreated hearing loss can increase the risk of falls, especially as we get older.

Understanding Vestibular Testing and Dizziness Awareness

By Dr. Notaro • October 9, 2024

Dana Notaro, Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA As we celebrate Audiology Awareness Month, it's essential to focus not only on hearing health but also on the often-overlooked aspect of balance: the vestibular system. Many people are unaware that dizziness can be related to issues in this system, which is crucial for maintaining our balance and spatial orientation. Let’s dive into what vestibular testing involves and why awareness of dizziness is so important for your overall health. What Is the Vestibular System? The vestibular system, located in the inner ear, plays a vital role in helping us maintain our balance and navigate our environment. It works closely with our visual and proprioceptive systems to keep us oriented. When this system is functioning properly, we can move around confidently. However, issues in the vestibular system can lead to dizziness, vertigo, and balance problems. Common Causes of Dizziness Dizziness can arise from various factors, including: Vestibular Disorders: Conditions like Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s disease, and vestibular neuritis. Inner Ear Infections: These can disrupt balance and cause feelings of dizziness. Medication Side Effects: Certain medications can impact your balance and cause dizziness. Neurological Disorders: Conditions such as migraines or multiple sclerosis can also affect the vestibular system. Why Is Dizziness Awareness Important? Being aware of dizziness is crucial for several reasons: Quality of Life: Chronic dizziness can severely impact your daily activities, work, and social interactions. Safety: Dizziness can increase the risk of falls, particularly in older adults. Recognizing and addressing these symptoms can help prevent injuries. Underlying Conditions: Dizziness can be a symptom of underlying health issues that may require treatment. Early detection can lead to better management. What to Expect During Vestibular Testing If you're experiencing dizziness, your audiologist may recommend vestibular testing to evaluate your balance system. Here’s what you can expect: Comprehensive Assessment: Your audiologist will take a detailed history of your symptoms, including when they occur and their severity. Balance Tests: You may undergo various tests, such as: Electrophysiology Testing: This involves measuring the electrical activity in the vestibular system to assess how well each pathway is functioning, helping to identify any abnormalities. Videonystagmography (VNG): This test measures eye movements to assess the vestibular system's function in different scenarios. Rotary Chair Testing: This evaluates how your vestibular system responds to rotational movements, providing insight into how well your balance system is functioning. Caloric Testing: This test uses warm and cold air in your ears to see how well your vestibular system is working in each ear separately. Vestibular Head Impulse Test (vHIT): This checks how well your eyes and head work together during quick movements by isolating each of your 6 semicircular canals. Results and Recommendations: Based on the tests, your audiologist will discuss the results and develop a tailored plan to address your symptoms. This may include vestibular rehabilitation therapy, lifestyle changes, or referral to a specialist. Tips for Managing Dizziness If you’re experiencing dizziness, here are a few tips to help manage it: Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate dizziness, so drink plenty of water. Limit Sudden Movements: Stand up slowly and avoid rapid head movements to minimize dizziness. Practice Balance Exercises: Simple exercises can strengthen your balance and coordination. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to your audiologist if you have concerns about dizziness. This Audiology Awareness Month let’s not overlook the significance of our vestibular system. Awareness of dizziness and understanding the importance of vestibular testing can empower you to take control of your balance and overall health. If you or someone you know is experiencing dizziness, schedule an appointment with your audiologist to discuss your symptoms and explore your options. Together, we can work towards a safer, more balanced future!

The Ultimate Travel Guide for Hearing Aid Wearers

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Are you planning to take a vacation soon? Traveling with hearing aids can present a few unique challenges, but with proper preparation and a few handy tips from me, your favorite audiologist, you’ll have no problem enjoying your trip to the fullest.