Dementia is one of those words that at once pulls the strings of one’s heart while also striking fear in the back of one’s mind. The sadness of a loved one unable to always remember a name and the concern that that will one day be you are feelings that many have faced, and do face, daily. Around 50 million people around the world currently have dementia, and that figure is likely to triple in just 30 years’ time. Unfortunately, there is very little that can be done for dementia and Alzheimer’s once the cognitive loss has set in. Because of this, preventative measures are looked at as an alternative. There are quite a few aspects of life that can be altered to reduce the risk, and maybe push back the onset, and hearing loss is the most significant risk factor that can be modified to help manage the risk.
Hearing loss comes with many obstacles which should be managed to improve life and retain cognitive function. When one loses their hearing, they tend to stop doing hearing related activities and withdraw from public interaction, and this causes the brain to be used less, and even results in depression. Social isolation, physical inactivity and depression are all major modifiable issues when managing risk for dementia, and managing hearing loss is the most consequential, possibly reducing risks by up to 9%, especially when addressed in midlife, ages 45-65. In the last article review it was noted that putting off treatment of hearing loss could costs one up to, and exceeding, $22,000 on extra healthcare costs over 10 years, but not seeking help for your hearing health could result in an even greater threat: cognitive loss leading to dementia. Consult your doctor and have regular hearing exams to help manage your loss and those difficulties accompanying it. Hearing loss affects more than just you, and it is more than just not hearing every word someone says. Be proactive in your health care and seek treatment as soon as possible. References
Are two hearing aids really better than one? The short answer, backed up by decades of research in the field of hearing science, is a resounding “yes.” Here are a few good reasons.
It’s quite a snow day in Bozeman!❄️🌧
Cold weather and moisture can be hard on hearing devices. Here are some tips to keep your hearing aids dry and safe. - Use a dry & store kit to store your devices every night. - Make sure your ears are covered in the snow. - If your hearing device gets wet, remove the battery immediately and put them in the dry & store device overnight. - Use hearing aid sweatbands to keep them moisture-free. Questions? Call us (406) 586-0914. Keep warm! :) Q: Did you know that hearing actually takes place in your brain, not your ears?
Dr. Helton: When you listen to a conversation, your ears and your brain work together as a system, with your brain doing most of the heavy lifting. Your brain is what uses the information from your two ears to orient you by figuring out which direction sound is coming from. It’s in the brain that sound waves become sounds that you recognize. And your brain is what helps you focus in on a conversation and separate out unwanted noise. Right now, all four of these tasks are happening simultaneously and continuously inside your brain. With so much of your hearing happening in your brain, it’s important that when your hearing is compromised, your brain gets the support it needs. That’s the idea behind the BrainHearing™ technology. BrainHearing™ technology preserves the important details in speech, so your brain doesn’t have to fill in the gaps. It enables your hearing devices to work together as a system to help you locate sound. And it reduces the effort involved in listening to conversations. The result is a more natural, effortless listening experience. To learn more about the BrainHearing™ technology, call us today at (406) 586-0914 and we will gladly answer your questions. Q: Our teenage grandson loves his iPod. We’re concerned that he may be playing it too loud. Can this cause a problem? Dr. Helton : Yes. Noise induced hearing loss is the most common cause of hearing problems in young and senior adults. Ask any baby boomer about their hearing difficulties and they’ll tell you it was caused by rock concerts and noise. iPods are the modern equipment of those outdoor rock concerts, but can actually be worse for your hearing due to the increased length of exposure accoutered with portable MP3 plyer. If you own one, limit the volume or exposure time in order to reduce your risk of hearing loss. If you are exposed to external noise in your environment (work or leisure), doctors of audiology recommend hearing protection. We regularly fit hunters, construction workers, firemen, police officers, musicians and wood workers with a variety of custom hearing protection devices. Call Helton Hearing Care today at (406) 586-0914 and we will gladly give the protection you need. Q: I've tried hearing devices, but sure didn't like feeling "plugged up". Do you offer other options?
Dr. Helton: The hearing industry has witnessed significant advances in styles and technology, especially with the new RITE and IIC technology. Receiver-In-The-Ear (RITE) and Invisible-In-The-Canal (IIC) instruments both hold advantages over older Behind-The-Ear (BTE) and In-The-Ear (ITE) technologies. As always, the foundation of a good fitting starts with a comprehensive audiometric evaluation and a detailed case history with a doctor of Audiology. Call us today at (406) 586-0914 to experience these latest advancements in hearing technology and design. Q. Will hearing devices improve the quality of my life?
Dr. Helton: A large number of independent studies have shown that hearing devices significantly improve the quality of life for hearing impaired people. In addition to social isolation and the inability to follow conversations, hearing loss has been associated with fatigue, embarrassment, stress, anger and even depression. Because hearing devices vastly improve users' communication abilities, they are more likely to engage with families and friends and to perform better in the workplace. This has been shown to boost users' overall confidence and self-esteem and to foster improved psychological, social and emotional health. In fact, hearing instrument users actually enjoy better over-all physical/mental health than non-users with untreated hearing loss. Don't let hearing loss constrict your life. Get the help you have been missing. To schedule an appointment with our doctors of audiology, call us (406) 586-0914. Q: Why has my father become quiet? Mom suspects it's his hearing. Is there anything we can do? Dr. Helton: There sure is. Your dad is very fortunate to have people who love him enough to recognize that a problem exists. Recognition is the first step to treating hearing loss. The second is to get him tested by a doctor of audiology. That will determine the best course of action. The signs of hearing loss include emotional withdrawal, frustration, limitation of activities, reduced work productivity on the job or at home, and a general lack of interest and participation in everyday life. More importantly, if your dad needs amplification for his hearing difficulties, he will likely be pleasantly surprised by recent advancements in hearing technology.
Call us today at (406) 586-0914 to schedule an appointment with our doctors of audiology. |
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