Please Hear This: Your Ears Are More Important Than You Realize

Do you or a loved one have trouble hearing? Did you know that ignoring the problem can sometimes lead to other health conditions?

Studies suggest that untreated mild to moderate hearing loss can make an adult more likely to develop dementia. The research implies that the increased effort required to perceive and understand, due to poor hearing, can divert brainpower away from storing memories.

In children, poor hearing can lead to learning difficulties which can also potentially lead to other social and development challenges.

Fortunately, hearing loss can often be easily and successfully treated. “New hearing aid technology is designed to make listening effortless,” said Patricia Lake, AuD, CCC-A, a doctor of Audiology with Yale New Haven Health and Lawrence + Memorial Hospital. “Today’s devices makes it easy to pair via Bluetooth for streaming phone calls, videos and music.” Lake regularly sees patients who are committed to improving their lives by enhancing their hearing.

“An audiologist can evaluate your hearing and provide a wide variety of communication options,” Lake said. “This could include a hearing aid, but also possibly television amplifiers, closed caption telephones and other strategies.”

When hearing aids are no longer helpful

For those with extremely poor hearing, there are still choices, Lake said. “Some patients who have worn hearing aids long term have asked me what their options will be when they can no longer hear well with their aids. My answer has always been, ‘You will never have to go without hearing.’ Cochlear implants, along with other implantable devices, allow patients with more severe hearing losses to hear speech and sounds in their environment.”

Recently, the criteria for qualifying for a cochlear implant changed to allow more patients access to the devices. Patients interested in pursuing a cochlear implant should consult their audiologist, who will refer them to an Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) physician who specializes in cochlear implant surgery.

John Kveton, MD, is an ENT (also known as an otolaryngologist) with Yale School of Medicine who performs cochlear implant procedures. “Cochlear implants can be life-changing for the right patients,” Dr. Kveton said. “Patients with significant hearing loss or deafness can benefit, because, unlike a hearing aid, the implant bypasses damaged portions of the ear to directly stimulate the nerve that sends sound to the brain. In this way, people who are deaf or severely hard of hearing can hear a variety of sounds and understand some speech.”

Hearing and balance

Health of the inner ear can also impact balance and dizziness, especially as people grow older. This can impact quality of life, increase anxiety and depression, and potentially lead to dangerous falls. If you or someone you know experiences vertigo, is prone to falls, has difficulty walking in low light or on soft surfaces, or experiences general lightheadedness that affects balance, it could be related to an inner ear condition.

“Your doctor may refer you to an audiologist who can test your balance system,” Lake said. “A physical therapist may also be helpful in treating balance disorders. Testing and therapy can be tailored to your specific needs, and this targeted approach can help get you back to the activities you enjoy.”

Children and hearing conditions

Parents should be aware that frequent ear infections and/or fluid behind the ear drums can make it difficult for some young children to learn speech and language. Fluid trapped in the middle ear space, whether it is infected or not, can make it harder for a child to hear all of the sounds of speech.

If you have concerns about your child’s hearing or speech, contact your child’s pediatrician. He or she may refer you to an audiologist, a speech-language pathologist, a pediatric otolaryngologist, or all three.

“It is vitally important to address a child’s hearing loss as early as possible,” noted Erik Waldman, MD, section chief of Pediatric Otolaryngology for the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. “Whether a child needs ear tubes, an assistive listening device like a traditional hearing aid or a cochlear implant, taking the appropriate corrective action at a very early age can make all the difference in the long term. In general, we encourage parents to seek help if they suspect any kind of hearing difficulty or speech delay.”

Lake agreed. “I’ve seen first-hand how impactful a hearing aid can be for children born with hearing loss, and it’s one of the most rewarding aspects of my job – seeing the relief parents feel when they realize their child will be able to learn with other children,” she said.

In short, if you or a loved one has any type of ear condition or hearing concern, there are many treatments and technologies that can help enhance your life. “Hearing aids are no different than wearing a pair of glasses in order to improve vision,” Lake said.

“I also urge everyone to protect their ears,” Lake said. “Avoid exposure to excessively loud noises and sounds, and wear ear plugs when necessary. Protecting your hearing will enrich your life for years to come.”

The Yale Medicine section of Otolaryngology at the Yale Hearing and Balance Center has a Cochlear Implant Program. Find an ENT doctor near you.