Julie Raney is a certified and licensed audiologist. She has a B.S. in Communication Sciences and Disorders and a Master’s Degree in Audiology from Idaho State University. She has worked as a clinical audiologist in Colorado since 2005. She specializes in hearing amplification for adults and delivers her services in both English and Sign Language.

Hearing Loss Connected to Accidents, Falls and Dementia.

Hearing loss can occur at any age due to exposure to loud noise, certain medications, impact on the head, or even ear infections. However, one of the largest causes of hearing loss is due to changes in the ear as we age. One in three people over 65 in the US will suffer from a hearing loss while this number jumps to one in two, past the age of 75. Research from Johns Hopkins reveals that it also is linked with walking problems, falls and even dementia – all problems are of higher risk as we age. It’s important to address symptoms of hearing loss early on before it can instigate more serious issues.

Studies in Dementia

Dementia is a group of neurodegenerative diseases that affect 2 or more cognitive functions. It becomes more likely as we reach the age of 65 and while no one knows what the causes are one major contributing factor is suspected to be unaddressed hearing loss. A significant study from Johns Hopkins University tracked 639 adults over 12 years. Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., and his colleagues discovered that even a mild hearing loss doubled dementia risk. The team determined that the worse a hearing loss became the higher the risk of dementia. A moderate hearing loss tripled the risk, while a severe hearing impairment increased the risk of dementia five-fold.

“Brain scans show us that hearing loss may contribute to a faster rate of atrophy in the brain,” explains Dr. Lin. “Hearing loss also contributes to social isolation. You may not want to be with people as much, and when you are you may not engage in conversation as much. These factors may contribute to dementia.”

As you walk, your ears pick up subtle cues that help with balance. Hearing loss mutes these important signals, Dr. Lin notes. “It also makes your brain work harder just to process sound. This subconscious multitasking may interfere with some of the mental processing needed to walk safely.”

Hearing Aids to Address Cognitive Issues

Hearing loss can be effectively treated using hearing aids. These amazing digital devices can be programmed to amplify only the sounds you struggle with while allowing you to hear the remainder of your existing hearing. Hearing aids reduce the need to struggle and strain through conversations and can help you to feel more aware of the world around you.

To better understand direct correlations between improved cognitive health and the use of hearing aids Dr. Lin is engaged in a study projected to be released this year. “These studies have never been done before,” he notes. “What we do know is that there’s no downside to using hearing aids. They help most people who try them. And in those people, they can make all the difference in the world—allowing people to reengage with friends and family and to be more involved again.”

Investing in the Future of Your Hearing Health

This May, use BHSM as a call to action and schedule a hearing exam. The sooner you know the extent of a hearing loss the sooner you can start to reconnect to the people in your life and ensure that your mind stays strong and healthy for years to come.