Dr. Edith McFadden is a board certified Ear, Nose, Throat and Allergy specialist who has been serving the people of Greater Milwaukee with compassionate, state-of-the art medicine since 1988.

Winter Newsletter
2011-2012

 

Hearing Loss and Dementia

How better hearing can improve brain function

  Hearing loss is the most common disability in the world. At least 31 million Americans (1 in 10) have hearing loss and 60% of them are between the ages of 21 and 65. Unfortunately, however, most people with hearing loss wait an average of 7-10 years before seeking help for their hearing loss. This means they are progressively decreasing the cognitive reserve in their brains and increasing social isolation.

  Impaired hearing can result in distorted communication, withdrawal, reduced sensory input into the brain, depression, anger and severely reduced overall psychological health. Recent studies report the risk of dementia from all causes, including Alzheimer's disease, increased with increasing hearing loss. Also, research suggests that dementia can be prevented or minimized through auditory rehabilitation strategies, including hearing aids and other "listening assistive devices".

  Primary care physicians (PSPs) are encouraged to question their patients, especially those 60 years or older, regarding hearing problems or if patients think family and friends are increasingly "mumbling". These patients need to be referred for a complete Auditory evaluation and hearing rehabilitation at an Otolaryngologist's office. In 2009 Consumer Reports found greater patient satisfaction with hearing assessment and hearing loss treatment if done at an Otolaryngologist's office.

 

Hearing Loss and the Primary Physician

 Too often a hearing loss is thought of as a minor problem and a hearing screen is not included as part of the physical examination. It is not uncommon for patients not to bring up the subject of hearing during an office visit. Because of the quiet office environment, a significant hearing loss can go undetected by the physician.

  An unidentified hearing impairment can interfere with the patient's activities of daily living, reducing the quality of life for all concerned. The inability to communicate effectively often results in self-imposed social isolation. Research has linked untreated hearing loss to high blood pressure, depression and other medical problems, as well as dementia. By including a hearing screening as part of the physical examination, the primary care physician can play a pivotal role in identifying a hearing loss and making an appropriate referral to an ENT physician.

  To help identify patients with a potentially handicapping hearing impairment, the physician can ask the following questions: Do you often ask to have things repeated? Do you hear better in one ear? A "yes" answer to any of these questions should initiate a referral to the ENT physician. Because the physician has made the referral, the patient is more apt to enter the hearing health care system.

  To assist primary care physicians, our office is happy to schedule a no-cost hearing screens, or hearing tests, which are covered by the patient's insurance.