Forgotten Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia

Hearing loss is often thought of as a natural part of getting older that only affects a persons ability to hear sound. What many people dont realize is the significant emotional toll it can take on a person as well. From embarrassment to anger and even feeling like a burden, the potential emotional impact of hearing loss can be profound.  In this article, we address the unseen side of hearing loss, exploring the emotional struggles it can bring, and provide tips and strategies to help manage these situations. Embarrassment or Loss of Self-Esteem Untreated hearing loss can chip away at your confidence in surprising ways. Struggling to follow conversations, missing important information, or asking people to repeat themselves can feel humiliating. It can lead to a feeling of being on the outside looking in, which erodes confidence in social and professional settings. It is also common for hearing loss to be associated with aging, which can be a source of embarrassment for many people. This can lead to a reluctance to acknowledge or address the issue, further impacting a persons sense of adequacy and personal relationships due to poor communication. These factors quickly lead to a significant decline in self-esteem, isolation, and depression. Stress or AnxietyHearing loss isnt just about missing sounds; it can be a daily battle to keep up. This ongoing effort can turn into a significant source of stress or anxiety about missing important information or being left out of conversations.  Additionally, hearing loss often progresses slowly, and the uncertainty about how much worse it will get can further contribute to these feelings of anxiety. According to a recent study, the chance of having anxiety is 32% greater for those with mild hearing loss and 59% greater for moderate or higher levels of hearing loss.  This constant state of tension can take a toll on your overall well-being. It can make it difficult to concentrate, relax, or even sleep, further impacting your emotional state. Tips and Management Strategies:Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing exercises or meditation can help manage stress and anxiety in everyday situations. Staying active and getting regular physical activity can also help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. Take control of your hearing health: Ongoing hearing care like having regular checkups and using your hearing aids every day puts you in control of your health. By taking these steps, you can manage your hearing loss effectively, reducing the anxiety of unexpected struggles and empowering you to stay engaged in daily life.Use wireless hearing aid accessories: Various wireless hearing aid accessories are available to help you hear more clearly in specific situations. Explore options like wireless remote/partner microphones and remote controls to give your hearing aid a boost in difficult environments.Frustration or Anger Straining to understand, only catching fragments of conversations, and missing important information can be a daily reality for people with hearing loss. Conversations that were once effortless may now require intense concentration. This mental strain can lead to feelings of aggravation, especially in situations where clear communication is important. This frustration may be felt by the person with hearing loss and the communication partner. Daily hearing frustrations can take a toll, leading to feelings of annoyance or anger with others or even with oneself. Its important to remember that anger is a natural response to loss. However, letting it fester can damage relationships and hinder your well-being. Tips and Management Strategies:Find healthy outlets for anger: Exercise, journaling, or creative pursuits can be a healthy way to release pent-up emotions.Seek professional support: If anger is overwhelming and impacting your daily life, consider talking to a medical professional who can help you find healthy coping mechanisms. Disconnection and Loneliness Hearing loss can be a thief, stealing not just sounds but also your sense of connection to the world around you. Conversations become an effort, filled with misunderstandings, embarrassment, and defeat. The joy of chatting with colleagues, the energy of lively debates, the comfort of catching up with a friend all these can fade when hearing loss makes communication unpredictable.  Communication difficulty may lead to hesitation to engage in social situations, or stopping altogether. It can also lead to avoiding things like small talk or phone calls. All of which fosters a deep sense of disconnection from the world around you. We are social creatures who crave meaningful connections, and this feeling of disconnection can be particularly painful.Tips and Management Strategies:Join a support group: Remember, youre not alone. Connecting with others who understand your challenges can be incredibly helpful. Sharing your experiences and learning from others can offer solace and support.Wear your hearing aids regularly: Daily hearing aid use can significantly improve day-to-day communication, strengthen connections, and combat feelings of isolation. Remember, theres a whole world out there waiting to be heard and experienced. Dont let hearing loss keep you from being a part of it. Feeling Like a Burden For some people, hearing loss can introduce a heavy weight into daily interactions. The need to constantly ask people to repeat themselves can be a source of self-consciousness and frustration for both the person with hearing loss and the communication partner. Worrying about annoying others or seeming incapable can lead to a feeling of being a burden on the conversation.  Hearing loss can also chip away at your sense of self-reliance. You might need help in situations you used to handle effortlessly, like ordering a meal at your favorite restaurant. Over time, this dependence can reinforce the feeling of being a burden, creating a negative cycle. Tips and Management Strategies:Seek support: Talk to a therapist or counselor specializing in hearing loss. They can help you manage the emotional impact and develop coping mechanisms and communication strategies for you and your communication partners.Embrace self-advocacy: Dont be afraid to politely ask people to speak clearly, face you directly, or rephrase something if you miss it. Most people are happy to accommodate you once they understand the situation.Dont forget youre amazing: Acknowledge your challenges but also recognize and celebrate your strengths. Youre not being a burden; youre taking control of your health and managing your hearing loss.  Hearing loss is an incredibly common condition that can affect nearly every aspect of our lives but it doesnt have to define you. The hearing care specialists at Audibel are here to provide the personalized care you deserve. We want to empower you to take charge of your hearing health and reclaim your emotional well-being. To take the next step towards rediscovering the joy of hearing, schedule an appointment at your nearest Audibel clinic today.

Hearing loss is often thought of as an inconvenience, making it difficult to follow conversations or hear the television. But did you know that hearing loss can also have a significant impact on your physical well-being? From balance problems to cognitive decline, this article explores the ways hearing loss can affect your physical health. The Link Between Hearing Loss and Physical HealthHearing loss affects around 48 million people in the United States alone. These statistics are made even more alarming by new research that shows a direct connection between hearing loss and poorer physical health, especially in older adults. Below, we look at how untreated hearing loss can impact physical health and daily quality of life.Issues with Balance, Dizziness, and VertigoOur inner ear is not only responsible for hearing but is also an important component of balance. We rely on sounds in our environment, like traffic noise or footsteps, to help us stay oriented and aware of our surroundings. Without these auditory cues, the brains ability to process spatial information is diminished, leading to instability and issues maintaining equilibrium.Additionally, the inner ear houses the auditory system, responsible for hearing, and the vestibular system, which helps us maintain balance. Damage to the inner ear can affect both these systems, resulting in hearing loss and balance issues like dizziness, vertigo, and even nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can make it incredibly challenging to go about daily life, as physical activity can worsen the effects. Increased Risk of FallsSimilarly, hearing loss is also associated with an increased risk of falls, especially among older adults. In fact, research shows that even mild degrees of hearing loss can triple the risk of falls. As we covered above, damage to the inner ear can significantly impact special awareness and balance, both of which elevate the risk of falling. However, the impact doesnt stop there. Hearing loss also puts extra strain on the brain. As the brain expends more energy trying to process sound, it diverts cognitive resources away from other functions like maintaining balance. This can significantly contribute to instability and a higher risk of falls. TinnitusA common condition associated with hearing loss is tinnitus, which is a ringing, buzzing, or humming in one or both ears. Some people also experience an uncomfortable feeling of fullness or pressure in the ears.The persistent ringing or buzzing sounds can also be distracting and frustrating to experience regularly. For many people tinnitus can make it challenging to fall asleep, stay focused, or fully engage in conversations, greatly impacting quality of life. Brain AtrophyA growing body of research has found a direct link between hearing loss and brain atrophy (shrinkage), particularly in the temporal lobe4. The temporal lobe is responsible for many cognitive functions including memory and critical thinking.  Just like any muscle in the body needs exercise, our brains need stimulation to function correctly. When hearing loss goes untreated, the brain is deprived of the sound stimulation it needs to stay healthy. Over time, this lack of auditory stimulation can lead to brain tissue shrinkage.  As we discussed earlier, hearing loss also forces the brain to work harder to process sounds. This constant effort can take a toll on cognitive resources. Studies suggest this cognitive strain also contributes to accelerated brain tissue shrinkage. Increased Risk of DementiaAs mentioned above, hearing loss can lead to brain tissue atrophy (shrinkage) in the temporal lobe. This shrinkage is one of the leading explanations linking hearing loss and dementia4.  Research shows that even mild degrees of hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia, moderate hearing loss triples the risk, and severe hearing loss increases the likelihood of dementia by five times. In addition to memory loss, late-stage dementia can also have a significant impact on physical health:Mobility problemsLoss of the ability to speak Bladder incontinenceBowel incontinenceWeight lossTrouble swallowingAnd more Decreased Physical ActivityA 2021 study found a link between hearing loss and a more sedentary lifestyle due to a couple of factors7. First, difficulty in hearing what is going on around you can make it challenging to exercise effectively or engage in certain physical activities. Additionally, hearing loss often causes mental fatigue, communication issues, and social withdrawal, all of which can also discourage regular physical activity. A sedentary lifestyle can set off a domino effect of negative physical health concerns8. From maintaining blood sugar and cholesterol levels to supporting healthy blood pressure and circulation, exercise is essential for our overall well-being. Decreased physical activity also increases the risk of developing chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and more.Safeguard Your Health Schedule a Hearing Exam at an Audibel Clinic Near You Hearing loss affects so much more than your auditory senses; it can impact your physical health, too. From balance issues to an increased risk of falls and even heart disease, the physical effects of hearing loss are incredibly far-reaching. By investing in your hearing health, youre investing in your overall well-being. Find an Audibel clinic near you today to take the first step toward safeguarding your health and quality of life for years to come.

Do you ever miss text notifications or have trouble understanding phone calls because of hearing loss? Youre not alone. Thankfully, technology has seen big advancements in recent years, making it easier than ever to use your hearing aids with your iPhone, iPad, and many other Apple products. In this guide, well explain how to pair your hearing aids with Apple devices. We will also cover all the ways you can use Siri with your hearing aids to get the most out of this helpful technology.What is Siri? Siri is a virtual assistant built into Apple products like the iPhone and iPad. Virtual assistants like Siri are software applications that use artificial intelligence (AI) to understand and respond to voice commands. Also known as AI assistants, Siri can perform tasks like setting alarms, making phone calls, or checking the weather, and provide answers to questions that you ask aloud. By simply saying Hey Siri you can activate your AI assistants and give them a command or ask them a question. Are My Hearing Aids Compatible with Siri?To use Siri with your hearing aids, you will need Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids. Bluetooth is a wireless technology that lets your devices communicate with each other. Bluetooth hearing aids have built-in wireless technology that allows them to connect (pair) to your iPhone or other wireless devices.  Most Apple products are hearing-aid compatible. However, not all Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids can connect to Apple devices. To find out if your hearing aids and Apple products are compatible, this information is generally available in your user manuals and online.  Hands-Free 2-Way AudioAdditionally, to use specific hands-free Siri features, you will also want to confirm your hearing aid microphone has 2-way audio. Hearing aids with this type of microphone not only stream sounds to your hearing aids but also transmit your voice directly back to your iPhone or iPad. This allows you to make and answer phone calls with Siri, all hands-free. To find out if your hearing aids have 2-way audio, this information is generally available in your user manual.  Nevertheless, even if your hearing device doesnt allow hands-free calls, you may still be able to use Siri. When a call comes in, Siri will announce it and automatically stream the callers voice directly to your hearing aids for clear reception. To answer the call, youll need to use your iPhone or iPad screen manually and speak into the phone itself so the other person can hear you. How to Pair Hearing Aids with Apple DevicesPairing your hearing aids with Apple products is simple. If your hearing aids are compatible with your Apple device, you can connect them through the Bluetooth settings. For specific pairing instructions, refer to your hearing aid manual, as the process will vary for different hearing devices.How to Pair Hearing Aids with iPhone or iPadGo to Settings on your iPhone or iPad, then select Bluetooth and make sure Bluetooth is turned on Exit and go back to Settings, select Accessibility, and then select Hearing DevicesTurn your hearing aids off and on again to prepare to pair them to your iPhone/iPad Your hearing aid name should appear under MFi Hearing Devices, select it and follow any other on-screen instructions A checkmark will appear next to the name of your hearing aids on your iPhone/iPad Devices List once they are paired How to Pair Hearing Aids with MacBookGo to the Apple menu on your MacBook, then select System Settings, click Accessibility in the sidebar, then select Hearing Devices (you may need to scroll down)If prompted, turn on Bluetooth Turn your hearing aids off and on again to prepare to pair them to your MacBook The name of your hearing aids should appear in the list of available devices, move the pointer over the name and click Connect You only need to pair your hearing aids with an Apple device one time. After that, they will automatically reconnect whenever they are on and in range. Once paired with your Apple device, you can easily use Siri with your hearing aids. How to Use Siri with Your Hearing AidsThe Siri virtual assistant is exclusive to Apple devices like iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. Using AI technology, this smart assistant uses natural language processing to respond to commands and questions after you say, Hey Siri.  Whether you need to make a call or want to play some music, Siri offers a broad range of functions that you can use with your hearing aids: Steam Audio from Any Apple DeviceWhen paired with your hearing aids, you can stream audio from any Apple device directly to your ears. You can stream audio to your hearing aids from: SiriPhone CallsApple MusicApple PodcastsApple MapsApple TVAnd more! Hands-Free CommunicationHands-free communication is incredibly helpful, especially for people who wear hearing aids. With simple voice commands, you can ask Siri to: Make phone callsMake FaceTime callsDictate and send text messages, emails, etc.Read text messages, emails, etc. aloudAnd moreWhen paired, Siri will respond directly through your hearing aids, so you can use all these hands-free features and hear the response even in noisy environments. App Notifications and Device ControlYou can also use Siri to alert you to certain app notifications through your hearing aids. For instance, if you have a video doorbell that sends alerts to your iPhone, Siri can let you know when someone is at your door. Using voice commands, you can even control the lights, thermostats, and other smart home devices you have apps for on your Apple devices.Discover the Latest Hearing Aid Technology at AudibelIncorporating virtual assistants like Siri with your hearing aids can significantly enhance your daily life. It provides a convenient, hands-free way to manage tasks, access information, and control smart devices.  Ready to demo the latest hearing aid technology for yourself? Schedule an appointment with a hearing healthcare specialist at an Audibel clinic near you to demo our newest AI hearing aids for free!