While we sometimes take our bodies’ senses for granted, going 5 for 5 helps us thrive.
Regarding functional abilities, it is vital to…
Hear Better. See Better. Live Life Well.
With aging’s growing influence on vision and hearing, it is estimated that by 2030, as many as 14 million older U.S. adults will develop Dual Sensory Loss (DSL). Think about it, when two of the body’s five senses are not functioning optimally, activities of daily living can be challenging. For too many, DSL reduces quality of life by limiting physical, emotional and social capacities.
Most people take care of their sight because, for example, driving without seeing clearly is unsafe. Perhaps that’s why updating your driver’s license usually requires a vision test.
Research indicates those with both vision and hearing loss may have personal hardships with interactive daily communication, while being at increased risk of social isolation, depression and falls. When you see and hear better, you can more confidently Live Life Well.
As research states: “Our study could have potential public health policy implications, as it suggests that identifying and targeting dual sensory impairment in older adults could be a potentially useful strategy for preventing a decline in their life expectancy.” 1
Further, “Given that one in four people aged 80+ years experiences dual sensory impairment, it is important that professionals working in both vision and hearing services are able to recognize cases of dual sensory impairment, tailor rehabilitation solutions accordingly and coordinate multidisciplinary input as required.” 2
By comparison, not enough folks are in the healthy habit of taking care of their hearing. Just as we focus on 20/20 vision as a goal, personalized fitting of advanced hearing devices will help you hear and understand your best.
In addition, researchers are intently focused on learning how functional Dual Sensory Impairment (DSI) relates to incident dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. As stated:
“The observed associations between functional sensory impairments and dementia may be explained through several potential mechanisms. Sensory impairments may causally increase dementia risk through changes in brain structure and function, particularly through increases in cognitive load. In older adults with sensory impairment, greater cognitive resources are needed to support visual and auditory function, thus leaving fewer resources available to support cognitive tasks. Additionally, sensory impairment can lead to depression, social isolation, and reduced physical activity, all known factors associated with increased risk for dementia.” 3
“These findings suggest that sensory rehabilitative interventions for multiple impairments may be an additional resource in efforts to reduce dementia risk.”4
1 Capella-McDonnall M. The effects of developing a dual sensory loss on depression in older adults: a longitudinal study. J Aging Health. 2009 Dec;21(8):1179-99.
2 Yamada Y, Denkinger MD, Onder G, et al. Dual sensory impairment and cognitive decline: the results from the shelter study. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2016;71(1):117-23.
3 Kuo PL, Huang AR, Ehrlich JR, Kasper J, Lin FR, McKee MM, Reed NS, Swenor BK, Deal JA. Prevalence of Concurrent Functional Vision and Hearing Impairment and Association With Dementia in Community-Dwelling Medicare Beneficiaries. JAMA Netw Open. 2021 Mar 1;4(3):e211558. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.
4 Ibid.
While we take your hearing care seriously, a little laughter goes a long way.
Good Humor, Healthy Hearing
From adventure to comedy, there are fantastic family movies for everyone at home. Pick flicks and make it a movie night.
76 Classic Family Movies Everyone Will Enjoy
As you see your Ophthalmologist or Optometrist for annual eye exams, it makes sense for you and your loved ones get a professional hearing evaluation at least once a year. In early 2024, we are eager to see and hear from you soon. In fact, Sights and Sounds both matter!
Our Patients Say It Best
“The techs are very thorough and explain things clearly and make sure a patient understands what is being done and what services there are. To call in for a question, everyone is very nice and attentive and helpful to get the question answered. I am so glad that I came here. Have not one complaint. Very caring people.”
— Connie W.
Meet Our Doctor
To health and staying connected,
Dr. Peter Marincoivch
