972.838.1300 www . hearinmckinney . com
Effects of Hearing Loss on a Patient ’ s Life
By Elizabeth Brassine , Au . D .
We think of the obvious effect of hearing loss with regard to communication difficulties . However , your hearing health contributes to your overall well-being and quality of life . Statistically , hearing loss is the third most prevalent chronic condition in older Americans after hypertension and arthritis . Aging also brings cognitive processing deficits that interfere with communication and can create distractions that lead to memory loss , falls and other accidents . Let ’ s examine these effects .
Memory and Hearing Loss-Adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop problems thinking and remembering than adults with normal hearing . Also , adults with hearing loss develop a significant impairment in their cognitive abilities . 3.2 years sooner than those with normal hearing . It ’ s believed that untreated , degraded hearing may force the brain to devote too much of its energy / resources to processing sound .
Dementia and Hearing Loss-Seniors with hearing loss are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than those who retain their hearing or treat their hearing loss . It appears that this effect increases as the amount of hearing loss increases .
Falling and Hearing Loss-People with mild hearing loss are three times more likely to have a history of falling . Each additional increase of hearing loss by 10 decibels increases the chance of falling by 1.4 times the original risk .
Mental Health and Hearing Loss-Hearing loss results in social isolation . Adults with untreated hearing loss tend to withdraw from engaging with family and friends . They are also likely to report depression , anxiety , anger and frustration . The degree of depression or other emotional or mental health issues also increases with the severity of the hearing loss .
Tinnitus and Hearing Loss-Tinnitus or “ ringing in the ear ” affects up to 50 million Americans . 90 % of people with tinnitus also have hearing loss . The most common causes of tinnitus are : noise exposure , aging , head injury and medication side effects .
Income and Hearing Loss-Statistics show that people with untreated hearing loss lose up to $ 30,000 annually . Adults with hearing loss , who wear hearing aids , have a lower unemployment rate than those who don ’ t .
To hear better , is to live better ! Start a better health and wellness conversation today ! Better hearing health is possible ! Call your audiologist today !
Elizabeth Brassine is a Doctor of Audiology and the owner of Hearing Services of McKinney .
HEARING SERVICES
Better Hearing Keeps You Connected !
• Staffed by 2 Licensed , Doctors of Audiology
• Hearing Aid Fittings , Maintenance and Repairs
• Invisible Fittings / Open Fittings
• Evaluation Period On All Hearing Aids
• Hearing Evaluations For All Ages
• Wireless / Connectivity Hearing Solutions
• Battery Purchase Programs
• Custom Ear Protection
• Assistive Devices
• 26 Years of Experience
Locally Owned and Operated Financing Options Available
Mon-Fri : 8:30am- 5:00pm Other times available by appt .
“ After 10 years of training hearing professionals , I decided to come home to McKinney to do what I love most-helping the hearing impaired ”.
Liz Brassine , Au . D .
972.838.1300 www . hearinmckinney . com
4201 Medical Center Dr , Suite 270 Across from Medical Center of McKinney of M c Kinney
LIZ BRASSINE , Au . D . DOC T O R O F A U DIOLOGY
COLLIN COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MARCH / APRIL 2018
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