Join Dr. Rhee Nesson, a Doctor of Audiology and Certified Dementia Practitioner, for a talk on the topics of hearing loss and preventing cognitive decline at Montclair Senior Center on the 6th of March 2024. Whether you are noticing signs of hearing loss and cognitive decline in yourself or a loved one, learning about these conditions from a passionate expert, like Dr. Nesson, is the best way to begin addressing these concerns.
About Dr. Rhee Nesson, Au.D., CCC-A
Dr. Rhee Nesson is a doctor of audiology and certified dementia practitioner who received her undergrad degree from the University of Michigan before going on to attend Hunter College and the Graduate Center of New York where she received her doctorate in Audiology. From a young age, Dr. Nesson has been interested in helping people, not just tell their own stories, but hear the inspiring ones around them. After fitting her own grandmother with her first hearing aids, she saw how big of an impact audiology had on her own family and has been dedicated to making that impact in other people’s lives ever since.
What Is Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline?
Hearing loss is almost exactly what it sounds like. It is the gradual, or sudden, loss of hearing in one or both ears. Hearing loss can be caused by many different factors including age, injury, infection, damage, or certain conditions. Hearing loss on its own can be difficult to come to terms with at the beginning of your diagnosis and has been linked to cognitive decline such as dementia. Those with dementia experience an impaired ability to think, remember, and make decisions, all of which make it difficult to complete everyday activities.
Can Hearing Loss Lead to Cognitive Decline?
In a study done by Johns Hopkins, it was found that hearing loss is linked to problems walking, increased falls, and dementia. It was seen that mild hearing loss doubled a person’s risk of dementia, moderated hearing loss tripled dementia risk, and severe hearing loss made individuals as much as five times more likely to develop dementia. When it comes to discerning why these two are so closely linked, it was seen in brain scans that hearing loss can contribute to expedited atrophy of the brain. Hearing loss can contribute to social isolation, whether intentional or not, and results in decreased engagement and conversation with those around you. This dissipating socialization can contribute to cognitive decline like dementia.
We rely on our ears to pick up sounds and cues around us in order to help with our balance. When you suffer from hearing loss, mild or severe, it interferes with your balance and stability. The muting of these important sounds causes your brain to work harder to notice and process the noises around you. As a result, the multitasking going on in your subconscious can impede the thought processes necessary to walk safely.
Learn More from Dr. Rhee Nesson
Join Dr. Rhee Nesson from Hearing Doctors of New Jersey on March 6th, 2024, at Montclair Senior Center to learn more about hearing loss and ways to prevent cognitive decline. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Nesson, fill out an online contact form and begin hearing the world around you again.
