Health concerns

Dementia & Alzheimer’s

Do hearing aids help prevent dementia?  Certain structures of brain cells can shrink when they are not provided sufficient stimulation. Social isolation may also play a part in the development of dementia. Hearing loss tends to isolate people and they are less likely to socialize. Being socially isolated is a risk factor for cognitive decline, dementia and depression. Can hearing aids prevent dementia? The answer seems to be yes for those with hearing loss.

Tinnitus

Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) is usually caused by an underlying condition, such as age-related hearing loss, an ear injury or a problem with the circulatory system. For many people, tinnitus improves with treatment.  With proper diagnosis and hearing aids, not only are people hearing better but their tinnitus becomes more manageable and has less of a negative impact in their lives.  Dr. Liacouras has been improving the quality of life for tinnitus sufferers for over a decade and is ready to help you overcome your tinnitus difficulties.

Mental Health: Depression & Isolation

A connection exists between hearing loss and depression: When people struggle to hear, communication becomes challenging and loneliness, social isolation and depression can quickly follow.  People with hearing loss have greater difficulty in conversations, lose connection and withdraw from difficult social situations.  This behavior leads to self isolation which has a negative impact on overall mental health.   With proper diagnosis and fitting of hearing aids, individuals can  better participate in conversations and integrate back into life activities that they enjoy.  Thus, hearing aids have a positive impact on an individual’s mental health.

Diabetes

Studies have found that hearing loss is twice as common in people with diabetes. Of the 88 million adults in the United States who are prediabetic, the rate of hearing loss is 30% higher than those with normal blood glucose.  Diabetes may contribute to hearing loss by damaging nerves and blood vessels.

Cardiovascular Disease

There is a link between heart disease and hearing loss due to blood flow. The inner ears are sensitive and the buildup of plaque in the arteries restricts blood flow causing irreversible damage to the ear. Poor blood circulation can reduce adequate oxygen flowing to the delicate nerves of the inner ear, causing damage to those nerves and resulting in hearing loss.

Balance

Balance disorders occur due to issues in the inner ear. Depending on the cause, hearing and balance problems may be related or could occur separately. Inner ear problems may also disrupt your balance system. That means hearing loss may be a sign of an underlying condition which is also negatively impacting your balance.  Dr. Liacouras has developed a treatment plan to help patients with their balance through use of amplification and will let you know if there is a method right for you.

Communication

Hearing loss negatively impacts the individual, colleagues, friends and family. A person with hearing loss often reports people are “mumbling” and not “speaking clearly.” Successful communication becomes challenging and frustrating. Yelling and listening to the television at high volumes are common results of untreated hearing loss in addition to social isolation and negative effects on mental health.

Ototoxicity

Ototoxicity is when a person develops hearing or balance problems due to medication that causes damage to the inner ear. This can happen when someone is on a drug that treats cancer, infections, or other illnesses.  The damage may be temporary or permanent and may include difficulties with balance.