Did you know that of the 9 lifestyle factors that could help prevent dementia, managing hearing loss during midlife is one of them? That's right! According to The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, dementia cases worldwide are expected to triple from 50 million to 150 million by the year 2050. The commission provided recommendations for prevention and management of dementia and concluded that 1 in 3 cases of dementia could be prevented if individuals managed 9 lifestyle factors. Managing hearing (including the use of properly fit hearing aids) at any age is important, but they specifically noted that managing hearing during midlife, between age 40-65, is of great importance. 

Our knowledge of a connection between hearing loss and dementia has continued to increase seven years after an original study was published in 2011 by John Hopkins University, which indicated the probability of developing dementia increases as hearing declines.

Here are some things we know now:

1. Mild hearing loss in those over 65 years old doubled the risk of dementia, while those diagnosed with severe hearing loss were five times as likely to develop the disease.
2. The correlation between hearing loss and dementia could be due to changes in brain function caused by decreased stimulation of the auditory system or could also be due to the fact that hearing loss leads to social isolation, which has been linked to dementia.
3. Further research is being conducted to determine if treating hearing loss earlier will decrease the chance of developing dementia or other cognitive decline. We do know that treating hearing loss can help with social isolation and depression, two other risk factors for developing dementia.
4. A survey by the Better Hearing Institute found that 90% of people receiving hearing aids reported a significant improvement in their quality of life.

Dr. Frank Lin, a neurotologist at John Hopkins University and lead researcher on the study of hearing loss and dementia connection said, “…the brain may have to reallocate resources to help with hearing at the expense of cognition.” Dr. Lin’s study followed 600 individuals who did not have any previous dementia diagnosis over the course of 12 years. During the course of the study, 9% of the study participants developed dementia. Those individuals who had hearing loss had a significantly increased chance of developing dementia compared to those who had normal hearing. As the degree of hearing loss increased, so did the overall risk of dementia.

Hearing loss can be managed with the help of a trained audiologist. If you or a loved one are experiencing difficulty hearing or have been previously diagnosed with hearing loss, this research is a great reason to visit our clinic for a hearing evaluation. Advanced Audiology of Greater Omaha specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of hearing loss, hearing aid fitting, as well as tinnitus and sound sensitivity management.

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Hearing loss is one of the top three chronic health conditions in the United States. With all of the conflicting information available online it can be difficult to sort out the facts about hearing loss and hearing aids.

Conquering Vertigo: Regaining Balance and Reclaiming Your Life

Vertigo, a common yet often misunderstood condition, can significantly impact one's quality of life. Characterized by a false sense of spinning or dizziness, vertigo can cause discomfort, anxiety, and even disrupt daily activities. However, with a better understanding of its causes, symptoms, and available treatment options, you can take control of this condition and experience life to the fullest once again.

Understanding Vertigo:
Vertigo can stem from various underlying factors, the most common being an issue with the inner ear, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance. The inner ear houses tiny structures called semicircular canals, responsible for detecting rotational movements. When these delicate structures malfunction or get disrupted, they send conflicting signals to the brain, leading to the sensation of spinning or dizziness.

Recognizing the Symptoms:
Vertigo manifests differently in each individual, but common symptoms include:

1. A spinning sensation, as if the world around you is whirling.
2. Feeling unsteady or off-balance, making it difficult to walk or stand.
3. Nausea or vomiting, often triggered by the dizziness.
4. Sweating, headaches, or a general feeling of unease.
5. Anxiety or fear of falling, leading to avoidance of certain activities.

Seeking Diagnosis and Treatment:
If you suspect you may have vertigo, it is crucial to seek medical advice for a proper diagnosis. Your healthcare provider may perform a physical examination and order additional tests, such as hearing tests or imaging scans, to determine the cause and severity of your vertigo.

Treatment options for vertigo vary depending on the underlying cause. Some common approaches include:

1. Canalith repositioning procedures: These involve specific head and body movements aimed at relocating displaced calcium crystals within the inner ear, providing relief from vertigo symptoms.
2. Medications: Certain medications, such as vestibular suppressants or anti-nausea drugs, may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms during acute episodes of vertigo.
3. Physical therapy: Vestibular rehabilitation exercises can help improve balance and reduce dizziness by retraining the brain to compensate for inner ear imbalances.
4. Lifestyle adjustments: Making simple changes, such as avoiding triggers like caffeine or alcohol, getting enough rest, and practicing stress-reducing techniques, can help manage vertigo symptoms and prevent future episodes.

Embracing a Vertigo-Friendly Lifestyle:
In addition to medical treatment, adopting certain lifestyle modifications can significantly improve your overall well-being while living with vertigo. Here are a few tips:

1. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate vertigo symptoms, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
2. Create a safe environment: Remove potential hazards within your living space to minimize the risk of falls during dizzy spells.
3. Prioritize rest and relaxation: Regular sleep patterns and stress reduction techniques, like meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help manage vertigo triggers.
4. Gradually reintroduce activities: With guidance from your healthcare provider, slowly incorporate physical activities back into your routine to regain confidence and strengthen your balance.

Conclusion:
While vertigo can disrupt your life, understanding its causes, recognizing the symptoms, and seeking appropriate treatment can help you regain control. By combining medical interventions, lifestyle adjustments, and a positive mindset, you can conquer vertigo and reclaim a life filled with balance, joy, and limitless possibilities. Remember, you are not alone, and with the right support, a brighter future awaits you. The first step is a diagnostic hearing evaluation to determine inner ear involvement. 

Feel free to use the link below to send us a message or contact our office to schedule a consult!

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According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 70 million adults in the United States have high blood pressure, or hypertension.

Nearly 50 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, which is the perception of sound (usually ringing, buzzing or humming), when no other sound is present.