When was the last time you had your hearing checked? For many people the answer
might be never, as we don’t normally consider our hearing as a priority in our annual
physical evaluation. It is important to remember, that our hearing organ is not just in
charge of hearing, but it plays a very important part in our balance.
Early detection of any issues with your hearing allows hearing professionals to address,
counsel and recommend the importance of preserving not only how much you hear,
but what you are hearing. In adults, early detection positively impacts overall
communication, and it helps to reduce the risk of rapid decline of brain function. In
children, early intervention reduces future developmental delays in speech and
language skills.
Why is preserving communication important? In most cases, your hearing can slowly
diminish over time without you realizing it. As your body learns to compensate (i.e. lip
reading, cranking the volume up), you start to increase your cognitive load to
understand what’s going on. When environments become more difficult for
communication it can cause stress and cognitive overload.
Cognitive overload can lead to social isolation, which are two big risk factors of
dementia. The “use it or lose it” principle becomes prominent the moment you stop
engaging in communication, which can result in accelerating the onset of cognitive
decline or even early dementia.
Vertigo, dizziness, and instability can be first related also to inner ear problems due to
concussions, migraines, toxins, or changes in the blood flow in the ear.
A Hearing Health Care Professional can help to understand what is happening in your
hearing or your balance and guide you through the options or treatments available.
You don’t need a referral, but if you prefer it, your Family Doctor can request it including
specific concerns you might have about your hearing or balance.
For more information please call Summerview Wellness @ 905 503 4002-
Audiology Department.
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