This picture popped up in my Facebook memories and it reminded me again how significant the training in audiology was for my career. To be honest, don’t test me on any of the audiology material today, but the foundations have stayed with me! And technology just keeps getting better and more accessible.
Here’s the thing: UNTREATED hearing loss is associated with earlier onset of dementia as well as negatively affecting mental health. When one cannot hear, the brain has to redirect resources from other areas of the brain to try and catch all the audio/visual information possible. Additionally, social withdrawal is highly common with individuals with hearing loss, which results in less audio stimulation, which perpetuates hearing loss because if you don’t use it, you’ll lose it.
During the meeting in which I am pictured with world-renowned audiologist and professor Dr. James Hall, he spoke about working with military servicemen and servicewomen who returned from combat with tinnitus (ringing in the ears) and hearing loss. The deficits were so annoying and impactful on their daily life that many had contemplated suicide. Following treatment, these individuals lives were changed.
In every single evaluation I conduct (even if it is for swallowing), I encourage the individual to get an annual hearing exam and educate them on why it is important for their cognition.
If you haven’t had your ears checked in the past year, here’s your reminder!
If you or someone you know would benefit from speech or swallow therapy, contact us at (801) 420-4083, or e-mail Live Well Speech Therapy at jackie@livewellspeechtherapy.com. We take most insurances as well as private pay and are conveniently located in Provo, Utah.
