It has been said if you lose one of your senses that another sense will elevate its ability to make up the difference. Unfortunately that is not completely true as there have been studies to show that if you can not see and you can not hear that your life is worse than if you can have both senses working properly.
Hearing loss is a larger problem than most people think but also a problem that can be helped. Here are some stats to back up this point:
- Approximately 36 million american adults report some degree of hearing loss – 90% can be helped with hearing aids.
- 30% of adults 65-74 yo and 47% of adults 75+ yo have hearing loss.
- 65% of people with hearing loss are younger than 65.
- 21% of diabetics have hearing loss as compared to 9% of non-diabetics.
- Hearing loss is tied to 3 fold higher incidence of injury-causing falls and more frequent and longer hospitalizations.
- Untreated hearing loss can affect cognitive brain function, especially in older people, and is associated with the early onset of dementia.
The last fact also correlates with recent studies showing poor vision can also lead to less cognitive function so if you are having difficulties with both your eyes and ears it can really affect how your brain functions.
The technician that starts your exam can perform a quick hearing screening to see if you have any issues with your hearing. This can be done during your visit to see the eye doctor.
If you would like to have a complimentary hearing evaluation by our Doctor of Audiology and also have your eyes examined please call (860) 233-2020 and schedule an appointment today.