Style Magazine July 2020

| health & wellness |
3
Increased Risk of Falls
Hearing loss is also linked to an increased risk of falls in
seniors, which oftentimes can be life-threatening. Dr. Payne says
researchers at John Hopkins University, in coordination with the
National Institute on Aging, concluded that those with hearing
loss—even mild hearing loss—were significantly more likely to
fall than those without hearing loss. “They also concluded that the
greater the hearing loss, the greater the risk—from three times
greater for mild loss to seven times greater for severe loss,” he says.
Hearing loss that initiated cognitive overload would impact balance
through a decreased awareness of surroundings, which could lead
to the damaging falls. “Researchers at Washington University School
of Medicine concluded that hearing aids appear to improve balance
in older adults,” he says.
4
Impact on Overall Health
Dr. Payne says diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss can lead to
a better quality of life and overall improved health. “Like heart disease
and diabetes, the longer hearing loss is unaddressed, the greater the
impact on a person’s health.” Studies show that those with hearing loss
are more likely to suffer psychosocial disorders such as depression,
anxiety, fear, anger, paranoia, withdrawal, and isolation. Relationships
with friends and loved ones will also suffer, as those with difficulty
hearing may become more isolated out of embarrassment of being
unable to hear or understand, Dr. Alden says.
ERIC J. STEINBRECHER, D.D.S., INC.
PRECISION DENTAL GROUP
Dental implants,
Oral surgery,
sedation dentistry,
and Prosthodontic
services.
Ask about our In
Office Savings
Plan
FREE
WHITENING
with paid exam
and xrays
First time clients only
7803 Madison Ave. | Citrus Heights
916-961-6406 | precisiondentalgroup.com
doc@precisiondentalgroup.com
Facebook: Precision Dental Group,
Eric J. Steinbrecher, DDS, Inc
Instagram: precisiondental_esteinbrecher
5
Increased Costs if Undetected
Not treating your hearing loss might cost you more in the long
run, especially if additional health conditions develop. “Hearing
loss can increase the risk of developing dementia by 200-500%, and
statistics show that the average family will spend approximately
$57,000 per year to cover health care costs and manage the care of a
loved one with dementia,” Forrest says.
6 Prevention
It’s never too late to protect your ears. “Hearing loss due to noise is
preventable, so it’s imperative to be aware of how loud you’re listening
to music and personal listening devices. Keep the volume down and
make sure to wear ear protectors when working with loud power tools
and equipment,” Dr. Young says. According to Dr. Alden, “Common
chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and elevated blood
pressure, can affect your ears...[also], let your doctor know if you start to
experience hearing issues with your medication,” she says. Maintain
regular check-ups with your primary care doctor once a year. “If you
suspect hearing difficulty, a simple and quick office hearing test can be
performed,” she says.
7
Improved Quality of Life
Forrest, an Army veteran who was exposed to explosives, was
diagnosed with hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing in the ears). “The
medical treatment of hearing loss also helps relieve tinnitus,” he says.
“It has really improved my quality of life and minimized the ringing.”
Dr. Payne says improved hearing is improved health and quality of
life. “If you have any concerns or if loved ones and friends complain
about your hearing, have this discussion with your family doctor.
Your issues may be as simple as wax occlusion or as significant as
progressive ear disease process,” he says.
34 stylemg.com | JULY 2020