Health and Wellness: New study: 50% of hearing aid wearers slow progression of Dementia

By Dr. KATHLEEN COATES, AuD

Over the years, numerous studies have demonstrated a clear connection between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline. The human brain, an intricate organ, relies on continuous sensory input for optimal function.

When individuals experience hearing loss, the brain is deprived of crucial auditory stimulation, leading to reduced cognitive engagement and potential cognitive decline. Those with hearing loss also tend to self-isolate, leading to a further reduction of sensory input.

Over the years, multiple studies have shown a clear link with hearing loss, but never investigated the ability of hearing loss treatment to reduce the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s. That is, until now.

Dr. Frank Lin, of Johns Hopkins University, is a leading expert in audiology and epidemiology. He and his team embarked on a comprehensive study to investigate the potential link between hearing aid use and cognitive health. His study, just released in July, involved a large sample of older adults with varying degrees of hearing loss. Participants were divided into two groups — those who used hearing aids to amplify their hearing and those who did not.

The findings from the study were nothing short of remarkable. The group of older adults who used hearing aids experienced a significant deceleration in cognitive decline compared to the nonamplification group. The results showed that nearly 50% of the group who received treatment with hearing aids slowed the progression of cognitive decline.

Dr. Lin's study aligns with the cognitive reserve hypothesis, a theory that hypothesizes that engaging in mentally stimulating activities throughout life can build cognitive reserve. Cognitive reserve refers to the brain's ability to adapt and cope with age-related changes or neurological damage. Using hearing aids to maintain auditory input and participate in social activities is considered a form of cognitive stimulation, contributing to the development of cognitive reserve and potentially offsetting cognitive decline.

One crucial takeaway from Dr. Lin's research is the significance of early intervention. The longer hearing loss goes untreated, the more challenging it becomes for the brain to adapt to amplified sounds once hearing aids are finally used. Seeking treatment for hearing loss promptly allows individuals to reap the full cognitive benefits of hearing aids, reinforcing the importance of regular hearing check-ups.

If you are over the age of 55, you should get a hearing test with a doctor of audiology. Most insurance companies will pay for the testing.

At our practice, hearing aids are just one of the services we offer. We do balance testing, tinnitus treatment, cochlear implant evaluation and custom hearing protection, to name a few of our other services. This new research has us recommitting to amplification by reaching more people to educate them and help them get treatment for the single most modifiable risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s: hearing loss.

Most patients think that hearing aids are too expensive. Though there are few insurance plans that pay 100%, around 70% of our patients have some or all of the cost offset by their insurance plan. There are payment plans, nonprofits and state programs that can also help. County employees, many State Health Plan retirees and almost all patients with a Medicare Advantage plan have a significant hearing aid benefit.

Contact us at info@coateshearing.com or call us at 919-335-7183 to learn more about this new research. Let’s work together to reduce the number of people, and their families, who have to live with the effects of cognitive decline!

Submitted by LEE JEWELRY

Keeping your jewelry clean can make it sparkle, but did you know it can also help keep you healthy?

In today's world, proper sanitization practices have become essential for maintaining a healthy and germ-free environment. While we often focus on sanitizing our hands and personal belongings, one aspect that is often overlooked is the sanitization of jewelry.

There are several effective ways to sanitize your jewelry. One of the easiest and most effective ways is by using soap and water. Simply mix a small amount of mild dish soap with warm water in a bowl. Immerse your jewelry and gently scrub it with a soft-bristle brush to remove any dirt or grime. Rinse thoroughly and pat dry with a clean, lint-free cloth. Another excellent option for sanitizing your jewelry is isopropyl alcohol. Dilute the alcohol with water in a 1:1 ratio and place your jewelry in the solution for a few minutes. Remove the jewelry and