Lubbock ☎ : 806-687-4327                Snyder ☎ : 325-284-3221

Lubbock ☎ : 806-687-4327 
Snyder ☎ : 325-284-3221

Hearing Loss Diminishes Cognitive Skills

09/16/2019 | Hearing Loss, Industry News, Patient Resources

Elderly couple jogging through the woods while chatting and laughing

People are slowly becoming aware of the harmful effects that hearing loss has on mental acuity. Psychological experts refer to mental acuity as the prowess of cognitive skills. This includes various aspects of cognitive functioning such as memory, attention, comprehension, language, and communication skills.

Hearing loss has been shown in numerous research studies to be related to cognitive decline which can result in dementia. As such, hearing loss has been found to be one of the leading factors that result in diminished cognitive functioning.

A recent study from Johns Hopkins University examined 2,000 participants over a 6 year time period. The results indicated that those who had hearing loss had a 30-40% quicker decline in cognitive skills compared to those who had normal hearing.

Another study found that those with hearing loss had a significantly higher chance of developing dementia than those who had regular hearing. Additionally, those who had hearing loss also reported having increased levels of sadness, stress, as well as depression.

People with hearing loss were shown in another study to be more prone to sustaining injuries and being hospitalized due to falling down as a result of loss of balance.

Yet another study reported that those who had severe forms of hearing loss had a five times increased likelihood of reporting symptoms consistent with dementia.

The link between hearing loss and cognitive decline has been shown in numerous studies not only in America but across the globe. Studies in the UK, Italy, Netherlands, and other countries have also found similar results that suggest that hearing loss leads to cognitive deterioration.

Although hearing loss does not often get the attention it needs, people generally take more notice of health issues such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. As such, it is important to seek timely treatment for hearing loss if for nothing else then to uphold the preservation of cognitive skills.

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Dr. Julie Hubik, Au.D., CCC-A - Doctor of Audiology & CEO

Dr. Hubik is the owner and founder of one of West Texas' most trusted and professional hearing providers, Cornerstone Audiology. She received her bachelor of science degree in communication disorders as well as her doctorate of audiology from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC). In her youth, Dr. Hubik became interested in helping people with a hearing loss to communicate more effectively and therefore pursued a degree in this field. Dr. Hubik was born and raised in Anton, Texas, and appreciates working with the people of West Texas. She and her team are proud to serve the hearing needs of their community.

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