Hearing Center - Alzheimer's and Auditory Loss

Professionals at your local hearing center and institutes across the country want people with Alzheimer's patients in their families to be acutely aware of how auditory loss can worsen the symptoms of the disease. Alzheimer's already offer immense challenges to those who suffer from the condition. But only recently have doctors begun to realize how much more difficult these challenges can be when compounded with auditory problems. It is essential to make sure that anyone suffering from the disease get the help they need to hear as well as possible, as it can make a big difference in how well they are able to cope with their illness.

Professionals in the Alzheimer's community have recognized that strong evidence exists linking auditory impairment with increased progression of brain dysfunction. This is true even for those older adults who do not actually suffer from dementia or Alzheimer's. When the brain isn't functioning properly, an individual is going to constantly look for markers that help them hold on to the reality around them. When they lose one of those markers (their ability to hear), it is like taking a life preserver away from someone adrift in the ocean. It's all too easy to give up and drown.

The research now shows that when those with Alzheimer's and auditory loss can be seen by a hearing center and fitted with an appropriate listening aid, it can reduce some of the symptoms of their dementia. For best results, doctors recommend that such patients integrate aural rehabilitation as well, which can help them learn how to use their listening aid, which is a good idea for anyone who needs one to hear. Listening with one of these devices isn't the same as using your natural ability to hear. It takes some getting used to. Adults with discipline and a sound mind may be able to do this on their own, but an Alzheimer's patient is going to cope best when given some help.

The shame, many doctors contend, is that there have been studies that show auditory loss is actually more common in Alzheimer's patients than in the general population. Making matters worse, these patients are less likely to be diagnosed and receive the proper aids and tools than normally functioning adults. This is because the issues and problems that accompany impairment are often masked by the effects of dementia. If you are a caregiver of someone with the disease, have a doctor or hearing center do an evaluation.