Denton County Living Well Magazine November/December 2018

DEMENTIA AND HEARING LOSS: WHAT’S THE RELATIONSHIP? By Elizabeth Brassine, Au.D. A n estimated four to five million Americans have some form of dementia. Dementia affects about 1% of peo- ple aged 60 to 64 years old and as many as 30 to 50% of people older than 85 years. Not surprisingly, hear- ing loss also becomes more prevalent as a person ages. Researchers have long wondered: could the two be related? A study by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the National Institute of Aging determined that senior citi- zens with hearing loss are significantly more likely to devel- op dementia over time versus those who retain their hearing. Researchers discussed a number of factors that could explain the correlation between dementia and hearing loss. Two fac- tors rose to the top as the leading candidates for a causal relationship between hearing loss and dementia: 1) exhaus- tion of cognitive resources and 2) social isolation. Exhaustion of cognitive resources: Simply defined, exhaus- tion of cognitive reserves means hearing-impaired people devote so much of their mental concentration to listening and understanding that little remains available for other purpos- es. In fact, hearing care professionals have long observed a “fatigue factor” among people who struggle to hear. Social isolation: Previous studies have indicated an associa- tion, though not necessarily a causal relationship, between poor social networks and dementia. Hearing care profes- sionals have seen a similar relationship between hearing loss and social isolation. Specifically, hearing loss can make social situations so taxing, individuals avoid them, even if the activity was previously deemed pleasurable. In humans, perhaps the reduced stimulation of social isolation resulting from hearing loss may promote physical changes which neg- atively affect cognitive function. A correlation between hearing loss and quality of life is well established according to a 1999 National Council on Aging study. Substantial evidence also points to a positive impact on quality of life when the hearing loss is treated with hearing instruments. Among the cited benefits: reduced fatigue and increased social interaction. Whether these benefits extend to an improvement in cognitive function or a delay in cognitive deterioration has not been determined. At the very least, hearing impaired patients who receive the appropriate intervention can expect enhancements to other areas of their lives. 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 3 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 • 28 Years of Experience Locally Owned and Operated Financing Options Available Mon-Fri: 8:30am- 5:00pm Other times available by appt. “Hearing Services of Mckinney is my #1 place to go for my hearing loss needs. Caring and dedicated professionals with many years of experience working daily to meet your needs”. – Terry G. Box, Retired Collin County Sheriff 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 | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2018 37

Denton County Living Well Magazine November/December 2018 | Page 39