March 6, 2023 – The Connection between Hearing loss, Cognition, and Implications for Healthy Aging
Presented by colleagues from Hearing and Speech Sciences (HESP):
Samira Anderson, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Lisa Rickard, Au.D., Assistant Clinical Professor
Nicole Nguyen, Au.D., Associate Clinical Professor
Attention to age-related hearing loss has grown over the past decade. By the age of 70, over 50% have significant hearing loss. The prevalence increases to 75% by the age of 80 and beyond. Research continues to shed light on how untreated hearing loss can negatively impact healthy aging and overall quality of life. This can manifest as an acceleration of cognitive decline, increased isolation and depression, and even in an increased risk of falls. Yet hearing loss is often characterized as a benign condition of aging despite evidence to the contrary. There continues to be a low rate of hearing aid adoption (15-20% of those who might benefit). This is likely due to barriers to hearing healthcare such as cost, access, awareness and understanding, and stigma.
This presentation addressed these topics as well as current attempts to overcome these barriers such as over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids and alternate hearing healthcare delivery models.
The program was presented by colleagues from HESP. Download PPT of the presentation here. Or, you can watch a video of the presentation here. For those who do not have video, here is an audio recording of the presentation.
They also provided a number of useful documents to help us better understand issues related to hearing loss and how to deal with it. A critical point from the presentation is that it is very important for seniors to have hearing tested and, if there is hearing loss, to be proactive in getting a hearing aid or other help. This substantially improves the ability to communicate and quality of life.
Should you see a hearing an audiologist?