Health Watch • Wednesday, September 23, 2020 • 7
When is hearing loss a hearing loss? By Dr. T K. Parthasarathy For Health Watch
There is considerable evidence that untreated hearing loss (UHL) is a significant factor contributing to the onset of cognitive decline and dementia. A major review of factors and treatment of dementia published in Lancet (July 2017) asserted that preventing or treating hearing loss would reduce new cases by 9.1%. The review also found that hearing loss is by far the most significant of all treatable factors. Prevalence of hearing loss is also significant. Hearing loss, hypertension and arthritis are all prevalent in the over-60 population, with as many as 65% of adults 70 years or older affected by hearing loss (Gorman,2016). What is “subclinical” hear-
ing loss study of 6,451 adults (averHistorically, the term mild age age 59 years) wit hearing loss has been used to h hearing in the 16 to describe hearing thresholds 25 dB HL range, as well in the 25-40 dB HL range. as greater degree of loss. Hearing thresholds less Hearing was at different than 25 dB HL are frequencies from 250 often described as to 8000 Hz. A series “within the normal of five tests was used range, ”even though to measure cognitive thresholds of 15-20 performance even for dB HL are more than individuals with subtwo standard deviaclinical hearing loss. tions from the normal Indeed. The associamean. Although tions between hearing Parthasarathy many audiologists and cognition were describe thresholds stronger or equivalent in the 16-25 dB HL range as in individuals with subcliniminimal hearing loss, “most cal hearing loss than those researchers (use)the widely with much greater or severe used 25 dB HL cutoff.” hearing loss. An investigation by Golub, Based on the findings that et al., studied the relationolder adults with hearing in ship between “subclinical the 16-25 dB HL range demhearing loss” onstrate poorer cognitive (described above as performance, the researchers minimal hearing loss) and suggested the term “subclinicognitive performance. Their cal HL” or “borderline HL.”
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Although such terminology would be useful of greater concern is the already poor insight, late diagnosis and low treatment level of agerelated HL even as it is currently defined.” (Gould et al, 2019). Is there a connection between Hypertension and Hearing Loss? A study of more than 1200 men found that those with hypertension were more likely to have hearing loss. Subjects were followed for up to 22 years. Those classified as borderline hypertensive (systolic blood pressure of 140 mm Hg) were 32% more likely to hearing loss than men with normal blood pressure (systolic pressure of 120 mm Hg or less). Men with systolic pressure of 160 mm Hg or more were found to have a 74% greater risk of
having hearing loss. between coronary heart disease (including heart attack) and hearing loss. The researchers concluded that preventing hypertension might contribute to the prevention of apparent ageassociated hearing loss. As your audiologist and hearing health care partner, we use our knowledge and experience to make sure you are hearing as well as possible. We keep you up-to-date with the advanced technology available today. Based on your hearing loss, lifestyle expectations, we can provide customized hearing treatment solutions to improve your hearing and overall quality of life. We will make every effort to help you meet those needs/expectations and to make it clear if some of those needs/expectations can’t be helped. Patients with hearing loss who take advantage of the
hearing care available today do well in all kinds of listening settings. There are many of success stories in our audiology practice. We are here to help you to improve your quality of life. Be proactive and take that first step to discuss your hearing difficulties. Before the holiday season begins, hear the life you have been missing with high-definition sound quality digital instruments. Don’t let hearing loss hold you back a minute longer from what life has to offer. Your hearing deserves good care! Please call our office to schedule an appointment.
Dr. T.K. Parthasarathy, Ph.D., FAAA, former Professor of Audiology at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, with 30 years of experience in helping patients with hearing loss, is an ASHA Certified Clinical Audiologist with two offices at the Better Hearing Clinic (www.betterhearingclinic.com) in Alton (618433-9932) and Glen Carbon (618-205-1055). All patients 50 years and older are welcome to join Better Hearing Clinic’s Hearing Wellness Program in the community to promote healthy hearing and healthy living and are eligible for a complimentary free hearing consultation.
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