The Risk of Hearing Loss and the Slowing of Cognitive Functions

With hearing loss being an issue on the rise for many Americans, this means more than having to turn up the volume on our TVs and computers. Multiple studies have shown that with the decline in hearing there is a correlation in multiple health issues including dementia. 

Research indicates a connection between hearing impairment and the onset of dementia in the elderly. Additionally, there is evidence that treating hearing loss with hearing aids might delay the progression of cognitive issues. However, the impact of hearing loss treatment on cognitive improvement had not been extensively tested in a large, randomized trial. In a study conducted by a team partly led by Dr. Frank Lin of Johns Hopkins University and funded by the NIH, around 1,000 adults aged 70 to 84 participated in a clinical trial. This study compared the rate of cognitive decline over three years between participants who used hearing aids and those who did not.

The researchers recruited participants with substantial hearing loss from two different study populations. About 250 healthy older adults came from a long-term study of heart health at four sites in the U.S. Another 739 people were newly recruited from the surrounding communities at the same four sites. Participants recruited from the heart-health study had more risk factors for developing dementia, including being older and having faster rates of cognitive decline than those from the general community.

The researchers randomly assigned participants to one of two interventions. About half received hearing aids and instruction in how to use them. The other half were assigned to a health education program focused on promoting healthy aging. Both groups received follow-up visits every six months to reinforce the training.

People who received the hearing aids reported substantial improvement in communication abilities over the course of the study. Those in the health-education group, as expected, did not experience improvement in hearing and communication.

In the main analysis of all study participants, the researchers saw no difference in the rate of change in cognitive functioning between people who received the hearing aids and those who didn’t.

However, when the analysis focused on people from the heart-health study, who had a higher risk of dementia, the benefit of the hearing aids was substantial. Those who received hearing aids had an almost 50% reduction in the rate of cognitive decline compared with people in the health-education group.

“Until we know more,” Lin adds, “we recommend for general health and well-being that older adults have their hearing checked regularly and any hearing issues properly addressed.” (more on this can be read on over at NIH.Gov)

A few of reasons this is believed to have this effect is:

Hearing loss can make the brain to work harder, forcing it to strain to hear and fill in the gaps. That comes at the expense of other thinking and memory systems. Another possibility: Hearing loss causes the aging brain to shrink more quickly. A third possibility is that hearing loss leads people to be less socially engaged, which is hugely important to remaining intellectually stimulated. If you can’t hear very well, you may not go out as much, so the brain is less engaged and active.

Preventing Hearing Loss: Essential Practices for Dental Professionals

In the field of dentistry, where you’re routinely exposed to high-frequency sounds from dental drills and other equipment, safeguarding hearing is crucial. This exposure increases the risk of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), a concern that can be mitigated through targeted strategies in dental practices.

Firstly, dental professionals should prioritize the use of quieter equipment where possible. Manufacturers are increasingly aware of the noise impacts of dental tools and are developing quieter alternatives. Choosing such equipment can significantly reduce the risk of hearing damage.

Personal protective equipment (PPE) plays a vital role in hearing conservation. Dental practitioners and their assistants should wear earmuffs or earpieces specifically designed for healthcare environments. These should be worn especially during prolonged procedures or when using high-speed drills, which are known for generating noise levels that can be harmful over time.

Routine hearing assessments for dental professionals are also essential. These assessments can help in early detection of any hearing impairment, facilitating timely intervention. Regular workshops and training sessions about the risks of NIHL and the importance of hearing protection in the dental setting can enhance awareness and encourage compliance with safety measures.

Furthermore, implementing quiet zones or areas within the clinic where staff can take breaks from noise exposure can be beneficial. This not only aids in reducing the cumulative noise exposure but also contributes to overall staff well-being.

Incorporating these practices in dental settings will not only protect the hearing of dental professionals but also contribute to a more comfortable environment for patients. Emphasizing hearing protection in dentistry is a step towards preserving the auditory health of those in the profession and maintaining the high standard of care they provide.