YOUR 2024 BRAIN BRAWN MINI RESOLUTION: A MONTH OF MICRO RESOLUTIONS • WEEK 4

This Week's Micro Resolution: Hearing Loss

 
Happy Monday, and welcome to your final micro resolution for the month of August: hearing loss!

As a reminder, our micro resolutions for the past month have been:

Week 1: Music and Art Therapy (click to view)

Week 2: Social Engagement (click to view)

Week 3: Learn Something New (click to view)

Week 4: Hearing Loss (this week!)

​It is estimated that 26.8% of adults over age 65 have hearing loss. Left untreated, hearing loss can lead to social isolation (a known risk factor for dementia), depression, anxiety, falls and reduced mobility. It has been estimated that eliminating hearing loss, a modifiable age-related condition linked to dementia, could reduce the risk of dementia in the general population by 9%.
 
In the 80s, it was learned that patients with Alzheimer’s Disease (a type of dementia) had twice the prevalence of hearing loss. Since then, studies continue to demonstrate the risk of dementia is higher in patients with hearing loss than compared to healthy controls, and greater hearing loss corresponds to a higher risk of cognitive decline. This has been observed in people as young as 55 years of age.
 
Exact pathophysiology is under debate, but current thinking is that hearing loss leads to structural and functional brain changes.  
 
Unfortunately, it is common for people to chalk up initial hearing difficulties to advancing age. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) states, on average, people experience hearing loss for up to seven years before seeking treatment.
 

What can we do to prevent or address hearing loss?
 
You can start here with this NIH survey.
 
If the survey indicated a need for an evaluation OR if you have concerns about your hearing, contact your concierge physician and discuss the need for a hearing assessment. According to AARP, original Medicare will only cover an audiology evaluation if it is via referral.
 
You can locate an audiologist in your area by contacting the American Academy of Audiology.
 
Studies show higher scores on cognition tests after use of hearing aids. Fortunately, in 2022, the FDA created greater access to hearing aids by allowing them to be sold direct to consumers, in-stores or online. If it turns out you need hearing assistance, you can purchase hearing aids at your local pharmacy or even on Amazon, ranging in price from $99-$3,000. Unfortunately, original Medicare does not cover hearing aids or fittings.

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS

THIS WEEK'S MICRO RESOLUTION:
TAKE THE NIH HEARING SURVEY (LINKED ABOVE)

Take the NIH survey hearing survey. Use the log to continue to log your exercise, sleep, sugar, water and fruit and veggie goals!

Click to view and download the log.