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I
ntrigued by all the brain-training products out there to keep your
mind sharp and spirits young? You may want to consider something
else: A hearing test.
That’s right. Mounting evidence links untreated hearing loss to
impaired memory and diminished cognitive function. What that
means is: if you keep brushing off that suspected hearing loss of
yours, your cognition may pay.
Researchers have found that when people with unaddressed
hearing loss strain to hear, they tend to do more poorly on memory
tests. They may figure out what is being said, but because so much
effort goes into just hearing it, their ability to remember what they
heard often suffers.
Experts believe this has to do with what they call “cognitive load.”
That is, in order to compensate for the hearing loss and make out the
words, people with untreated hearing loss may draw on cognitive
resources they’d normally use to remember what they’ve heard.
Experts say that untreated hearing loss may even interfere with the
person’s ability to accurately process and make sense of what was
said or heard.
In fact, research shows that people with poorer hearing have less
gray matter in the auditory cortex, a region of the brain needed to
support speech comprehension.
Other research shows a link between hearing loss and dementia.
One Johns Hopkins study found that seniors with hearing loss
are significantly more likely to develop dementia over time than
those who retain their hearing. Another found that hearing loss is
associated with accelerated cognitive decline in older adults. And
a third revealed a link between hearing loss and accelerated brain
tissue loss.
Some experts believe that interventions, like professionally fitted
hearing aids, could potentially help.
The bottom line is we actually “hear” with our brain, not with our
ears.
So if you think you may have hearing loss, do something about it.
Make an appointment with a hearing healthcare professional, and get
a hearing test.
After all, research suggests that treating hearing loss may actually
be one of the best things you can do to help protect your memory
and cognitive function.
Nicole Wasel, Au.D., CCC-A
Dr. Wasel is committed to providing patient education,
counseling and hearing solutions to patients of all ages
and abilities. She works at Washington Ear, Nose and
Throat located at 80 Landings Dr., Suite 207, Washington,
PA 15301. Dr. Wasel is a member of the American Speech,
Language and Hearing Association and also serves as a field
instructor for West Virginia University.
Please feel free to contact Dr. Wasel at
[email protected], 724.225.8995 or visit our
website: Washingtonent.net, if you have any questions or to
schedule an appointment.
38 724.942.0940 TO ADVERTISE | Upper St. Clair
The Better Hearing Institute (BHI) offers a free, confidential online
hearing check where people can determine if they need a more
comprehensive hearing test by a hearing healthcare professional.
Access the BHI Hearing Check at www.BetterHearing.org.
The doctors at Washington Ear, Nose and Throat provide medical
and surgical care for patients with minor ear problems as well as
those with the most complicated ear, nose or throat conditions. They
bring compassion and skill to their work, whether it’s treatment for
a simple ear infection, or for cancer of the throat. The audiologists
specialize in the identification and management of hearing loss, the
fitting of hearing aids and balance disorders. They are committed
to providing better hearing through the latest technology, fitting
methods and counseling. Call to schedule a comprehensive hearing
evaluation today!
Nicole Wasel, Au.D., CCC-A