Denton County Living Well Magazine March/April 2018

Effects of Hearing Loss on a Patient’s Life By Elizabeth Brassine, Au.D. W additional increase of hearing loss by 10 decibels increases the chance of falling by 1.4 times the original risk. 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 de- vote too much of its energy/resources to processing sound. 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 medica- tion side effects. e think of the obvious effect of hearing loss with re- gard 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 hyper- tension and arthritis. Aging also brings cognitive processing deficits that interfere with communication and can create dis- tractions that lead to memory loss, falls and other accidents. Let’s examine these effects. 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 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. Income and Hearing Loss-Statistics show that peo- ple 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 of M c Kinney 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 “After 10 years of training hearing • Custom Ear Protection professionals, I decided to come home • Assistive Devices to McKinney to do what I love most-helping the hearing impaired”. • 26 Years of Experience Liz Brassine, Au.D. Locally Owned and Operated Financing Options Available Mon-Fri: 8:30am- 5:00pm Other times available by appt. 972.838.1300 www.hearinmckinney.com 4201 Medical Center Dr, Suite 270 Across from Medical Center of McKinney LIZ BRASSINE, Au.D. DOCTOR OF AUDIOLOGY DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MARCH/APRIL 2018 47

Denton County Living Well Magazine March/April 2018 | Page 49