The Importance of Hearing Screenings for Better Outcomes
Hearing loss is an issue that affects many people in our country, with 1 in 8 people aged 12 or older experiencing hearing loss. As age increases, the amount of people affected by hearing loss increases as well.
Hearing loss is an issue that affects many people in our country, with 1 in 8 people aged 12 or older experiencing hearing loss. As age increases, the amount of people affected by hearing loss increases as well. Recently, the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery - came out with new guidelines when it comes to who should be screened for hearing loss. The national recommendation is that everyone 50 years of age and older should be screened for hearing loss.
Ryan Gregg, an audiologist working with the team at Midwest ENT & Allergy, says that these recommendations may be new, but they reflect the core beliefs many within the field have held for years. Research has found that those with untreated hearing loss are at a higher risk of experiencing cognitive effects due to their hearing loss, such as dementia and other communication and social difficulties.
In a 2020 study by the Lancet Commission, research revealed that untreated hearing loss was the number one modifiable risk factor in delaying or preventing dementia cases. This means that hearing loss may be responsible for 800,000 of the nearly 10 million new cases of dementia diagnosed each year. The Lancet article has shed light on the importance of early detection and treatment of hearing loss.
Gregg explains that many who experience hearing loss choose not to address it and may wait at least 5-10 years before ever choosing to do something about it. People with hearing loss may not think it’s a big deal, or they may not want to wear hearing aids, but those are years that cannot be recovered.
“In midlife, treating your hearing loss is the best way to mitigate early cognitive decline,” Gregg said.
Dr Kenneth Scott, Otolaryngologist at Midwest ENT & Allergy, explains the way to identify hearing loss is through a hearing test called an audiogram. Recommendations can then be made depending on the results of the testing. Dr Scott stresses that even if you don’t need help now, the audiogram gives a comparison for the future if anything changes.
Hearing aid technology has improved over the past few years and new options have arrived. There are now many great hearing aid options that are not as noticeable and will drastically improve hearing loss. Earlens is one of the new hearing systems. Earlens has created a hearing device with 2.5x more bandwidth, making a sound quality that exceeds traditional aids.
“These devices are better, and we need to overcome the stigmas surrounding hearing aids,” Gregg says. “It’s important that we start educating people early on hearing loss and help to encourage them to do something about it so they can maintain their cognitive function as they get older.”
For individuals concerned about their hearing, they can call Midwest ENT& Allergy at (605) 336-3503 to schedule an appointment for a hearing test and further evaluation.
Sioux Falls Woman Magazine
By: Natalie Slieter