National Audiology Month: Importance of Hearing Health for Memory
- Kelli Humphrey
- Oct 1
- 4 min read
Do you suspect you, or a loved one is having trouble hearing? When was the last time you, or your loved one had their hearing checked? It may be time to visit your local audiologist!
Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline
Hearing loss affects many older individuals as one of the main causes of hearing loss is aging. However, many cases of hearing loss may go undetected or untreated. Recent research suggests there is a correlation between untreated hearing loss, and cognitive decline (Livingston et al., 2020). Individuals with untreated hearing loss are at a higher risk for cognitive decline. There are a few theories that support this correlation. A hearing loss causes our brains to put extra energy into understanding the things around us meaning that less energy is put into other functions including memory, and attention. Additionally, the less we are able to hear and understand, the less we tend to participate in conversations and community around us. With decreased social interactions, along comes a reduction in cognitive stimulation in the areas of memory, attention, and language. Given that hearing loss can often be treated or managed, it can be referred to as a “modifiable risk factor” for dementia.
What steps can be taken?
Get regular hearing screenings
Hearing screenings are quick, accessible, and beneficial for individuals of all ages. Adults can receive hearing screenings through their primary care doctor or an audiologist. It is recommended that adults over 60 years old get annual hearing screenings given the increased risk of hearing loss as we age. Early detection of hearing loss is beneficial to identify, and implement treatment options.
If a hearing loss is suspected, see an audiologist
Audiologists specialize in the diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and management of hearing disorders. They can create personalized treatment plans including determining if hearing aids are an option, and if so, what type of aid they recommend. If you or a loved one has concerns with hearing, reach out to a local audiologist to schedule an appointment.
For those looking for in-home services, Anywhere Audiology is a local practice who provide mobile services for individuals in New Jersey. They provide in-home consultations as well as personalized hearing aid fittings and comprehensive treatment for hearing loss, and hearing disorders. Contact them for a consultation!
If hearing aids are recommended, use them consistently and correctly!
If hearing aids are recommended as a treatment, it is essential to use them consistently and correctly. There are many different types and sizes of hearing aids that can be recommended by your audiologist for your specific needs. However, the most important thing is that you use them! Research has found that hearing loss and cognitive decline were only correlated in individuals who do NOT wear hearing aids. The risk of cognitive decline can be reduced simply by wearing your hearing aids.
Reduce noise
In addition to hearing aids, there are environmental modifications that can be made to increase communicative effectiveness. Modifications can include eliminating unnecessary background noise including turning the TV/radio volume down, moving to a quieter space, facing your communication partner, and taking turns speaking. Communication strategies can be used when conversing with individuals with a hearing loss to reduce communication breakdowns. For the speaker, speak at a comfortable rate and volume, face the listener, ensure they can see your mouth, and modify the environment. For the listener, advocate for your needs if you need a message to be repeated, or clarified or if environmental modifications would be helpful.
Conclusion
As we age, there is an increased risk for developing hearing loss. Given this risk, it is important to receive annual hearing tests for early detection, and management of hearing loss. Treatment may include hearing aids, assistive listening devices, or cochlear implants. Audiologists are the central professional in the diagnosis, assessment, treatment, and management of hearing disorders. For individuals with hearing loss, audiologists should be a central member of your medicinal team. Hearing aids are a common treatment prescribed to treat hearing loss, however, research shows that there is a large discrepancy between individuals who could benefit from hearing aids and those who actually wear them (HLAA). Research suggests there is an increased risk for cognitive decline in those with untreated hearing loss. Use of hearing aids can protect, or reduce the risk of cognitive decline (Bucholc et al., 2021). It is important to manage hearing health through regular screenings, consultations with audiologists, and implementation of recommended treatments. If you or a loved one have concerns with hearing, schedule an appointment with an audiologist!
If you’re looking for speech therapy for cognition near Cherry Hill, NJ, our specialists are here to help. Contact Insight Speech & Swallowing Therapy today to schedule your first session.
Phone: 856-200-8392
Website: www.insightspeechandswallowing.com
About the Author
Kelli Humphrey is a clinical fellow in speech-language pathology licensed in New Jersey. She is supervised by Sophia Apgar, M.A. CCC-SLP. Kelli received her master’s degree from University of Delaware and is experienced across multiple settings including acute care, outpatient, and schools.
Specializations:
-Swallowing Disorders/Dysphagia
-Parkinson's Disease
-Mild Cognitive Impairment
-Traumatic Brain Injury
-Dementia
-Stroke- Aphasia, Apraxia, Dysarthria
References
Bucholc, M., McClean, P. L., Bauermeister, S., Todd, S., Ding, X., Ye, Q., Wang, D., Huang, W., & Maguire, L. P. (2021). Association of the Use of Hearing Aids with the Conversion from Mild Cognitive Impairment to Dementia and progression of dementia: A longitudinal retrospective study. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.1002/trc2.12122
Hearing Loss Association of America. Hearing Loss Association of America . (n.d.). https://www.hearingloss.org/
Livingston, G., Huntley, J., Sommerlad, A., Ames, D., Ballard, C., Banerjee, S., Brayne, C., Burns, A., Cohen-Mansfield, J., Cooper, C., Costafreda, S. G., Dias, A., Fox, N., Gitlin, L. N., Howard, R., Kales, H. C., Kivimäki, M., Larson, E. B., Ogunniyi, A., … Mukadam, N. (2020). Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care: 2020 Report of The Lancet Commission. The Lancet Commissions , 396(10248), 413–446. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(20)30367-6
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