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As we age, it’s common to experience some degree of hearing loss. Most people write it off as a simple facet of growing older, and can be simply ignored.  But a study by John Hopkins and the National Institute on Aging may change your mind. It found that there may be significant consequences of putting off getting help – in that those with uncorrected hearing impairment are at a greater risk of developing dementia. The Doctors of Audiology at County Hearing And Balance in Madison, CT, understand how hearing loss affects all aspects of your life and have gathered important information on the link to dementia.

What You Need to Know About Hearing Loss & Dementia 

The Growing Prevalence of Hearing Loss

According to the Mayo Clinic, about 25% of Americans between ages 55 and 64 have some degree of hearing loss, and that number escalates to almost 50% for people over 65. The most common form of hearing loss is presbycusis — the normal loss we experience as we age. People can also lose hearing through trauma, chronic exposure to loud noises, damage from improper cleaning, or even excessive earwax.

The Link to Dementia hearing loss

The John Hopkins study examined 253 men and women over the course of 23 years. They found that the strain of decoding sounds and the feelings of social isolation often overwhelm the brains of people with hearing loss and leaves them more vulnerable to develop dementia. The good news is that they believe an intervention like hearing aids could help fight dementia by improving the quality and processing of sound for aging adults.

Early Signs of Hearing Loss

Hearing loss can happen suddenly if exposed to trauma or injury, but millions of Americans will experience the decline over time. If you are worried about your hearing or that of a loved one, watch for the following signs:

  • Muffled sounds
  • Difficulty understanding words
  • Turning up the TV or radio volume 
  • Experiencing ringing in the ears — constant or occasional
  • Frequently asking others to repeat or speak more slowly, clearly, or loudly
  • Avoiding or withdrawing from conversations 

If you or a family member are worried about hearing loss, speak to a trusted audiologist. At County Hearing And Balance, their experienced and caring team can help you regain your quality of life and engage in the activities you love the most without fear or embarrassment of hearing issues. They have offices in Waterford, Groton, Norwich, Old Saybrook, Middletown, and Madison, CT.  Visit their website for more information on their unique solutions, or call their team at (800) 443-6944 to schedule an appointment.

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