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Hearing Loss
Do you often struggle to hear people because they seem to mumble or speak too softly? Perhaps you attribute the issue to a noisy work environment or restaurant?
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The reality is, hearing impairment happens gradually over time without us realizing. It is a prevalent issue that affects many people.
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According to the most recent data, 30 million Americans over the age of 12 are living with hearing loss in either one or both ears. This number is expected to continue increasing as the Baby Boomer generation ages. While some hearing loss can be caused by ailments and exposure to loud noises, in many cases it is simply a result of aging.
But fear not! Most hearing loss is mild and can be treated effectively. Imagine being able to again listen clearly without feeling like you’re being left out due to your condition; with the right treatment you’ll reclaim all of the activities and joys you may have been missing. Don’t let hearing loss limit you; get the help and assistance you need so you can live life fully!
How does hearing loss actually work?
The process begins with soundwaves entering the outer ear, which is visible on the outside of your head. These waves then navigate through the auditory canal, a pathway comprising minute hairs and glands that generate earwax. At the end of the canal lies the middle ear, containing the eardrum and three tiny bones – the hammer, anvil, and stirrup. The eardrum vibrates when hit by sound waves, moving the hammer-shaped bone, which, in turn, moves the anvil and the stirrup,
ultimately sending vibrations into your inner ear.
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The middle ear amplifies sound, and therefore harm to any part of it can lead to significant hearing loss. Hair cells in the ears can be damaged by diseases, ototoxic drugs, or natural aging; and unfortunately, there is no way to regenerate or restore these cells. Fortunately, hearing aids can help to compensate for their loss.
Sounds/Noises That Can Damage YOUR Hearing
Understanding what constitutes loud noises is not always straightforward. However, given that sounds over 85 decibels can lead to permanent damage or hearing loss, it is crucial to know what sounds fall into this category.
Thankfully, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (NIOSH/CDC) have compiled a helpful list of decibel ratings. The list details the permissible exposure time to common sounds, enabling individuals to take the necessary precautions to protect their hearing.
Hearing Loss & Cognitive Decline
The sense of hearing plays a crucial role in our brain’s interpretation of sound, making it a vital component of cognitive function. Once we hear a sound, our ear sends it to the brain, which triggers neurons to fire.
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Conversely, hearing loss reduces neural firing, atrophying connections and potentially leading to cognitive disorders, even dementia. By prioritizing our hearing’s health, we protect our brain from neural deterioration and cognitive decline.
Hearing Aids and their effect on Dementia.
Numerous studies indicate that hearing aids can provide cognitive benefits and lower the risk of dementia. Hearing loss deprives the brain of important auditory information critical for cognitive processing, thereby leading to cognitive decline, memory loss, and other forms of dementia. However, wearing hearing aids improves auditory input and restores the brain’s ability to process sound, stimulating and engaging the brain to enhance cognitive function and limit cognitive decline.
Research also finds that hearing aids improve social interaction and communication, fostering a healthy and active lifestyle that supports brain health. At Patriot Audiology, we offer a diverse range of hearing aids from top manufacturers that help
preserve hearing health and support cognitive function. Get in touch with us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how hearing aids can benefit your brain health.