Page 5 - Senior Times South Central Michigan May 2023 - 30-05

Senior Times - May 2023 Page 5
TREATING HEARING LOSS TO HELP PREVENT COGNITIVE DECLINE
By: Hanna Klingaman, Au.D., CCC-A, Audiologist at Battle Creek Hearing Services
For many adults, our health and well-being can be critical to a fulfilling life. One import- ant component to that health and well-being is our ability to hear and engage with the people and environment around us. It has been well known that older individuals with or without hearing loss, have difficulty understanding speech in challenging listening environments.2 Our cognitive abilities explain why, in some listeners and in some listening situations, speech is easily and effortlessly understood, while in other situations, understanding speech takes significant effort and consumes signifi- cant cognitive resources.2
Another study suggests that those with untreated hearing loss experience a 30-40% greater decline in thinking abilities com- pared to those without hearing loss.
Age-related hearing loss and dementia are often progressive. They both can start out
as a mild cognitive impairment, which can gradually become worse. While over 20% of adults over the age of 70 are estimated to have a mild cognitive impairment, 60-80% of them are likely to progress into dementia.2 Research findings have indicated that older adults with hearing loss are significantly more likely than adults with normal hearing to develop demen- tia.
By 2025, the number of adults aged 65 and older with Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia is expected to increase by 40%.4 It is imperative that we take action in our lives and prevent cognitive decline. One option to support or preserve cognitive abilities of those with hearing loss is a proper fitting of hearing technology by a licensed hearing healthcare provider.
We need to encourage our loved ones to have their hearing tested regularly, so that we can do as much as possible to prevent cog- nitive decline and contribute to their health and well-being. It is believed that the sooner a hearing loss is treated, the better chance we have at preventing co-morbidities such as cognitive decline.
It is unknown why there is a relationship between hearing loss and cognition, but one suggestion is that the widespread neural degeneration in the brain that causes cognitive impairment also affects hearing function.1
1Anstey, K.J., Luszcz, M.A., Sanchez, L. (2001). Two-year decline in vision but not hearing is asso- ciated with memory decline in very old adults in a population-based sample. Gerontology, 47, 289-293
The latest technology replicates how an individuals’ normal auditory system works by mimicking the cerebral cortex of the human brain to quickly and more accurately fill in the gaps that occur when a hearing loss is present. This creates an effortless hearing environment in which the individual can participate in con- versations and everyday tasks that they may have avoided previously due to their hearing loss.
If you have been noticing difficulties, even if only on occasion, schedule yourself an appointment with a licensed hearing health- care professional. Begin the process of tak- ing care of YOU. Continue to maintain your health and well-being. Continue to create the fulfilling life you want and be present for yourself and loved ones.
Studies have shown that adults with mild hearing loss are two times more likely to develop dementia, adults with a moderate hearing loss are three times more likely to develop dementia, and adults with a severe hearing loss are five times more likely to develop dementia.2
Research has suggested that while dementia doesn’t typically show symptoms until around age 65 and older, dementia likely begins between ages 40-65. The recommendation
2Sanchez, V. (2016). The relationship between hearing ability & cognition/dementia. Starkey Hearing Technologies, https://cdn.mediavalet.com/ usil/starkeyhearingtech/eSzHRsOph0Cik6vd6s- rRPA/aVX_NDcZEUGFQuj2ICxCWQ/Original/ The_Relationship_Between_Hearing_Ability_and_ Cognition_Dimentia.pdf
for hearing loss is to manage it in midlife (between age 40-65), before the hearing loss has a change to negatively impact cognitive skills.3
3Starkey Hearing. (2021, July 28). Hearing loss treatment and the role it plays in preventing demen- tia. https://www.starkey.com/blog/articles/2021/07/ dementia-prevention-and-hearing-loss.
4Thies, W., & Bleiler, L. (2013). Alzheimer’s dis- ease facts and figures. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, 9, 208–245.
SPECIALISTS IN HEARING CARE
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Experience: Combined 50Years InThe Hearing Industry Professionalism: We Offer Comprehensive
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Paja Dickenson, MA, CCC-A | Hanna Klingaman, Au.D, CCC-A Margaret Larsen, Au.D, CCC-A | David Dickenson, AA, HIS
269-979-6455 3566 Capital Ave SW, Battle Creek (1 Mile South Of I-94) | 269-953-1120 300 Meadow Run Drive Suite 3, Hastings
May is Better Hearing Month
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2 Haven't had your hearing tested lately? Schedule your Hearing Evaluation with our audiologists!
3 Need New Technology? Schedule a hearing consultation.
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