I have written about this subject before and think that this is the most important reason to treat your hearing loss early. We know that individuals with hearing loss are at a much greater risk of developing dementia. There have been several studies that back this up.
I would like to tell you a story. Several years ago, I was asked to see a gentleman residing in a nursing home. He had been diagnosed with advanced dementia and would become very agitated if he did not understand what was going on. He became a danger to himself and his caregivers.
I evaluated his hearing and found that he had a significant hearing loss. The family was very concerned and wanted the best for him, so we ordered hearing aids. When I fit him with his hearing aids, he became a different person. He was no longer confused and understood everything that was going on. He became the ideal patient and the family had their father back.
I am sure that his hearing had been getting worse for several years and that he had been compensating well until he got sick. That was the tipping point. Don’t wait for the tipping point. Get a regular hearing check. We want you to be as active as you would like and hearing well is a big part of your quality of life. Your hearing healthcare is important.
We are here to help if you or a family member is having any difficulties with hearing, hearing aids, or Tinnitus please give us a call at 727-323-2471 and set up an appointment. We can help you.
Susan E. Terry, Au.D., F-AAA, F-NAP
Doctor of Audiology
Board Certified
P.S. We are here to help if you have any questions about your hearing, feel free to give us a call at 727-323-2471