Hearing Loss

Hearing loss comes in many forms, when most patients come in to see us, it isn’t because of an inability to hear as much as inability to understand.  They find that everyone mumbles, or speak too quickly.  Hearing is a complex process that requires sufficient hearing across a wide range of frequencies.  Our brain takes the various sounds we hear and pieces them together like a jigsaw puzzle.  When you start to develop hearing loss, it’s like taking some of the puzzle pieces away.  At first, your brain can fill in those blank spaces with minimal effort, but as the hearing loss worsens, it takes more and more effort and conversations become more and more of a guessing game.  This can have serious consequences to your overall health.

Hearing and the Brain

In the last several years, multiple studies have found links between dementia and hearing loss.  One of these studies, conducted by Johns Hopkins, found that untreated hearing loss can increase your risk of developing dementia by up to 500%!

Cardiovascular Health

Hearing loss occurs 54% more often in people with heart disease and 75% of patients with heart failure also have hearing loss.

Falling

Patients with hearing loss are three times more likely to suffer a serious fall.

Mental Health

There’s evidence that patients with hearing loss often become more withdrawn and socially isolated increasing their risk of depression and anxiety.

Consistent hearing aid use has been shown to improve cognition and quality of life in patients and may even contribute to a longer life.  Dennison Hearing Solutions recommends annual hearing screenings for anyone over the age of 55.  If you’re in the Braselton, Hamilton Mill or greater Gwinnett area, call us today to schedule your comprehensive hearing check.