Untreated Hearing Loss Poses New Risk
Recently, Jane Brody of the The New York Times wrote about the link between untreated hearing loss and Alzheimer's (or dementia). Click here to read the article and check out Executive Director, Laurie Hanin's comments below.
Laurie Hanin, Executive DirectorCongratulations to Jane Brody for writing an excellent article on a topic that gets far too little exposure. Hearing loss is the number one disability in the United States and growing rapidly. And yes, there is a growing body of evidence that has previously been ignored that does show an association between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline.
As Ms. Brody so correctly reports, the majority of adults who could be helped by hearing aids are not using them - for a multitude of reasons. Cost is certainly an important deterrent for many, but many others with untreated hearing loss are those who have tried hearing aids, were not satisfied and became non-users. At the Center for Hearing and Communication (CHC) in NYC we know that almost all people with hearing loss today should be able to use hearing aids successfully. Our audiologists work daily with individuals who have unsatisfactory experiences with hearing aids, and we have been able to help most of them. We do this by thoroughly evaluating an individual's needs and abilities (including manual dexterity) to select the best hearing aid for them. We then do a great deal of testing with the hearing aids in our one-of-a-kind Listening Studio that simulates real-life situations; provide detailed instruction in the use of the hearing aid alone and with assistive devices; and have communication skills training available. This takes time and a personalized approach that cannot be accomplished in any other way.
Should you wish to contact me for additional perspective on this topic, phone (917) 305-7760 or email me at lhanin@CHChearing.org.
For anyone living with untreated hearing loss, now is a great time to see your audiologist. Phone us at (917) 305-7766 and we'll verify your insurance coverage and schedule a time that's convenient for you. Or you can click here to request an appointment online.
Best wishes,
Laurie Hanin, Ph.D., CCC-A
Executive Director
Center for Hearing and Communication
