Untreated hearing loss disconnects a person from their world and studies show it can also put older people at risk for falls and dementia by decreasing auditory awareness. If you or a loved one notices a loss of hearing, be sure and have your hearing checked. The Audiology team at CNC Hearing and Balance Center can evaluate hearing loss and recommend a device if needed.
Hearing loss is more prevalent than you might think. The National Institutes of Health’s National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders states that approximately 28.8 million Americans could benefit from the use of hearing aids.
Untreated hearing loss presents serious health risks. A study published by the Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention and Care cited 11 risk factors for dementia including hearing impairment in mid-life. The report also stated that dementia typically starts many years before it is recognized. Untreated hearing loss can impact the brain, cognitive, and mental health.
There is also a link between untreated hearing loss and falls. According to a study conducted by Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, an increase in hearing loss in an individual, for instance going from normal hearing to an untreated mild hearing loss, is associated with a three-fold increase in fall risk.
Protect your EARS:
E – earplugs
A – avoid loud sounds
R – reduce the level of sounds
S – shorten time in loud environments
