Studies show that those with moderate or greater hearing loss can experience an almost five to eight times greater risk for falls, four to eight times greater risk for dementia and twice the risk for depression (over three times for women). We are still learning more about why these conditions are linked, but the science is clear that there is some connection between these conditions and social engagement, which is so critical to stay healthy as we age.
Virtual programs like Songbird Health Program continue to make important progress in helping seniors learn how they might reduce these higher risks of cognitive decline, depression/loneliness and falls for older adults with hearing loss.
There are a few easy things you can do to take charge of your health:
Get your hearing checked. Hearing is important for connecting to the world around you, and staying socially connected is part of keeping your brain healthy. Most seniors should have their hearing checked annually, just like your vision, and if you need hearing aids, wear them.
Another area to focus on is brain exercises. The CT app is designed to help build a routine to support brain health. The research-based CT app focuses on a variety of cognitive skill areas to help you keep your brain active and engaged.
Have a trusted provider evaluate your fall risk. Make sure you discuss medications and conditions that can increase fall risk.
Stay active and work on stretching and balance regularly. If you have been given exercises by a physical therapist, commit to a daily routine.
Have your home evaluated for trip hazards and have grab bars installed if needed. Rugs and cords are some of the most obvious trip hazards.
Not sure of the kinds of programs and therapies that might be helpful for you or your loved one? Here is a helpful checklist to review with your family members.
Sign up for more information at https://songbirdhealthprogram.com
AlliedVirtualCare and its Songbird Health Program do not, through the Service, directly or indirectly render medical advice. Nothing contained in the Service is intended to constitute medical advice, instruction on medical diagnosis, or instruction for treatment. Information provided through the Service should not be considered complete, nor be relied on when making decisions regarding the personal, medical, technical, financial, or treatment decisions for a particular individual. The Service is not intended to be a substitute for the consultation or advice of a physician or other qualified healthcare provider.
Resources:
Agrawal, Y., Platz, E. A., & Niparko, J. K. (2008). Prevalence of hearing loss and differences by demographic characteristics among US adults: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2004. Archives of internal medicine, 168(14), 1522–1530. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.168.14.1522
Ponjoan, A., Garre-Olmo, J., Blanch, J., Fages, E., Alves-Cabratosa, L., MartÃ-Lluch, R., Comas-CufÃ, M., Parramon, D., Garcia-Gil, M., & Ramos, R. (2019). Epidemiology of dementia: prevalence and incidence estimates using validated electronic health records from primary care. Clinical epidemiology, 11, 217–228. https://doi.org/10.2147/CLEP.S186590
Lin, F. R., & Ferrucci, L. (2012). Hearing loss and falls among older adults in the United States. Archives of internal medicine, 172(4), 369–371. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinternmed.2011.728
Scinicariello, F., Przybyla, J., Carroll, Y., Eichwald, J., Decker, J., & Breysse, P. N. (2019). Age and sex differences in hearing loss association with depressive symptoms: analyses of NHANES 2011-2012. Psychological medicine, 49(6), 962–968. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291718001617