Insights from The Orlando Senior Help Desk Hearing loss and its effect on cognition

If you find a loved one asking repetitive questions, becoming more confused and forgetful, you may assume they have dementia, but the cause could be hearing loss.

Long-term brain function is impacted by hearing loss. In a recent Johns Hopkins study, those who did have hearing loss suffered more substantial cognitive impairment more than three years sooner than others with normal hearing levels.

Dr. Frank Lin found that cognitive diminishment was 41 percent greater in the seniors with hearing problems. Dr. Lin explains that the link between cognitive loss and hearing loss can be caused by social isolation and loneliness. When it’s harder to hear and participate, the trend has shown declining invitations and social mingling.

He also reports that the brain may be forced to devote a large amount of energy to processing sound in loved ones with hearing loss. He says that hearing loss means that the inner ear is no longer as good at encoding signals with accuracy. “So the brain gets a very garbled message,

It is important to test one’s hearing. Professionals say that many seniors put off addressing hearing loss for years, without realizing the more severe consequences they can have long term. It is estimated that 27 million Americans over 50 years of age, and two-thirds of men and women older than 70, have some form of hearing loss. The bigger concern, he believes, is that only 15 percent of those who need hearing assistance devices actually use one.

How to recognize hearing loss in a loved one:

• If a loved one is asking others to repeat what they’ve said, and says people are always mumbling or not speaking clearly. Pay attention if other family members recognize the loved one is not hearing well.

• If a loved one cups their hand behind an ear when listening.

• If the television or radio volume is louder than usual.

• If a loved one says they are experiencing ringing or buzzing in one or both ears, or is dizzy often.

• If a loved one is leaning forward or turning their head to be able to listen to a conversation.

• If a loved one is beginning to avoid certain situations because they have a hard time hearing.

While most seniors face major adjustments when transitioning to an elder-care community, Jewish seniors face additional challenges. Not only do they lose their homes, and many of their friends, but they also lose ties to their cultural heritage. This is where the Jewish Pavilion, a 501c3 non-profit, steps in. The Pavilion serves as a resource that provides room visits, festive holiday celebrations, and more to 450 Jewish residents in fifty facilities for seniors. The Jewish Pavilion promotes inclusion, and thousands of seniors of all faiths are welcomed into our programs. http://www.JewishPavilion.org

The Orlando Senior Help Desk (407-678-9363) helps thousands of callers navigate their way through the daunting senior maze, alleviating caregiver stress while giving advice on all types of elder issues. http://www.OrlandoSeniorHelpDesk.org