Title: Hearing Aids Can Reduce the Risk of Cognitive Decline and Dementia, Study Finds
Subtitle: The Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia Explored
Date: [Date]
In a society that often associates age with disability and irrelevance, the use of age-related hearing aids has been shunned by many. However, recent research has shed light on the serious consequences of neglecting hearing loss treatment.
According to popular blogger Shari Eberts, individuals with hearing loss often struggle to piece together meaning in conversations, akin to playing a game of Wheel of Fortune. This frequently leads to misunderstandings and assumptions of rudeness. It also contributes to the societal dismissal and isolation experienced by individuals with hearing loss, as highlighted by Sue Schy, leader of the Boston chapter of the Hearing Loss Association of America.
Beyond the social implications, hearing loss is associated with a range of health problems, including depression, falls, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Most alarmingly, studies suggest that untreated hearing loss can significantly increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults.
However, a recent groundbreaking study conducted by Dr. Frank Lin of Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health offers hope. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, examined nearly 1,000 adults aged 70 to 84 to determine whether hearing aids could reduce the risk of cognitive decline and delay or prevent dementia. The results were astonishing.
The study found that individuals at higher risk of dementia who used hearing aids for three years experienced a remarkable 48 percent reduction in cognitive decline compared to those who did not utilize hearing aids. The findings were published in The Lancet, which emphasized the potential impact of hearing aids on populations at risk of dementia.
Dr. Lin provided three explanations for the link between hearing loss and dementia. Firstly, garbled speech and sounds reaching the brain require additional cognitive resources for processing, resulting in reduced capacity for thinking and memory. Secondly, under-stimulated brain areas responsible for processing speech and sound contribute to brain atrophy. Finally, hearing loss hinders effective communication, leading to social isolation, a recognized risk factor for dementia.
Dr. Maura Cosetti, director of the Ear Institute of New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, hailed the study as a landmark achievement, highlighting its unique focus on the specific impact of hearing amplification and treatment on cognitive decline.
Nevertheless, resistance to hearing aid use remains high within the hearing loss community. A 2022 national survey revealed that older adults were more willing to take their pets to a veterinarian than have their hearing checked. Cost is a major barrier, with hearing aids priced at over $5,000 for a pair and Medicare not covering the expenses.
Geoff Plant, executive director of the Hearing Rehabilitation Foundation in Woburn, addressed the widespread denial and ignorance surrounding hearing loss, stating that individuals often wait an average of 10 years before seeking treatment. He also noted that the adjustment process and discomfort associated with hearing aids contribute to hesitancy.
Despite these challenges, progress is being made. The Food and Drug Administration recently finalized guidelines allowing over-the-counter hearing aids for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, providing an alternative to prescription-only versions. This move has sparked competition and lower prices, with the average cost of over-the-counter hearing aids now at $1,600.
Manufacturers like Audien Hearing are offering models ranging from $99 to $249, while others have integrated hearing aid technology seamlessly into wireless earbuds. These advancements aim to reduce the stigma associated with hearing aids and promote their wider adoption.
As the link between hearing loss and dementia becomes clearer, it is crucial for individuals to take their hearing health seriously. The potential consequences of untreated hearing loss are too significant to ignore. With increasing options and affordability, individuals can now address their hearing loss and potentially mitigate the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.
Contact:
Linda Matchan
[email protected]