Aging leads to the deterioration of brain cells, some of which can become permanently destroyed. As a result, “brain atrophy” or “cognitive decline” occurs, which can cause dementia.
It’s a complicated process. Genetic factors can cause cognitive decline, but sometimes it's manageable. Hearing loss treatment is one of the ways you can slow down or prevent Alzheimer’s and dementia. Treating high blood pressure, reducing your alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, managing depression, taking action if you are socially isolated, and exercising are all risk factors you can control. If you experience hearing loss and dementia, will hearing aids help? According to The Lancet, older adults who practiced hearing aid usage and regularly received help from a hearing healthcare provider lowered their dementia risks by 50% over three years. The lowered risk included people with other risk factors for dementia (heart disease, social isolation, and physical inactivity). An indiscriminate controlled trial studied how treating hearing loss impacted dementia. The test subjects in this study used hearing aids, a hearing “toolkit” which helped the individual manage their hearing loss, and continued instruction and counseling with a hearing healthcare professional. After three years, the results indicated that the intervention lowered the rate of anticipated cognitive decline for adults between 70 and 84 years old. These benefits only included people with hearing loss and additional risks like dementia, heart disease, lower levels of education, and reduced physically active lifestyle. The primary conclusion is that anyone with hearing loss, especially if they are older, should get a hearing checkup and treat any symptoms. There are no risks to intervening to take care of your hearing. According to the Journal of American Medical Association-Neurology, wearing hearing aids can effectively reduce the risks of cognitive decline. Another study by the Journal of American Geriatrics Society revealed that using hearing aids delayed the onset of cognitive impairment, dementia, depression, social isolation, and falls that can lead to injuries/hospitalizations. This study was not a randomized controlled trial. The results could have been due to other reasons: some hearing aid wearers have higher incomes, allowing them to access better medical care. The Best Hearing Aids for Dementia There isn’t one particular hearing aid or assistive listening device that helps with dementia, but there are multiple types and styles of hearing aids that can improve symptoms. Are you a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia? Research what hearing aids work best for that loved one. Discuss your concerns about them with a professional hearing aid provider. Your loved one’s daily routines, specific listening needs, and abilities will be incorporated when selecting hearing aids. Contact one of our hearing instrument specialists from Pure Sound Hearing for a consultation. If you’re having trouble hearing, you may have considered hearing aids, personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), or “hearables”. The last two options are not, by definition, actual hearing aids, but for some people with mild hearing loss, it may be helpful.
Let’s learn more about the options available today. Over-the-counter (OTC) Hearing Aids Self-fitting
Preset
Prescription
PSAPs and ‘hearables’
If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss and believe prescription hearing aids may be appropriate, contact Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation. Hearing aids are an investment, so proper care is needed to keep them working their best. At Pure Sound Hearing, patients are provided with a warranty when purchasing hearing aids. Let’s go over what coverage you’d receive and how it works.
A hearing aids warranty is a contract signed by the customer for the hearing aid company from whom they purchase the devices to protect them if anything goes awry. Any hearing aid deterioration due to mistreatment or neglect typically won’t be protected by a warranty. Many warranties will, however, cover daily weathering. Hearing Aid Warranties Warranty coverage for hearing aids is crucial. You can get protection from hearing aids that are faulty while also protecting your investment in the product. Some people believe that hearing aid repairs require payment for any service during each visit to your hearing aid provider since there is no written contract between the user and the manufacturer or provider. Based on your hearing aid model, manufacturers offer a variety of warranty plans. These may include: Limited Lifetime Warranty This standard warranty covers all parts of your hearing aids, excluding batteries and earmold fittings. Most companies have this option. It protects you from any defects in the materials or design. It does not cover repair expenses caused by abuse, accidents, or misuse. Basic and Limited Warranty This type of warranty covers all parts of the hearing aids, excluding batteries. It also does not cover damage caused by average wear and tear, like a scratched casing, dents, or other physical/surface deterioration that doesn’t hinder the hearing aids’ performance. This warranty does not cover repair expenses caused by abuse, accidents, or misuse. Complete Warranty This warranty covers all parts and labor when there is general wear and tear. It includes casings that become scratched, dents, physical/surface deterioration that doesn’t hinder the hearing aids’ performance, and damage caused by accidents. The cost of repairs caused by water damage or intentional destruction is not covered. Warranties from Manufacturers After purchasing hearing aids, your provider will give you a manufacturer’s warranty. A warranty from the manufacturer is a certification ensuring that they can sell their products to customers. Find out if your device has a certified warranty and what to expect. Here are three different types of hearing aid warranties from manufacturers:
Third-party Warranties This warranty uses third parties, like an insurance company. It is for hearing aids under five years old. This warranty provides unlimited replacements for your device. The best warranties last at least five years. Repairs or replacements are part of the coverage for your hearing aids. Look over Pure Sound Hearing’s care plans for our warranty coverage. If you are unsure about something, please ask us questions about it. Contact us at Pure Sound Hearing for a complimentary hearing test and consultation with one of our hearing aid providers. We offer hearing aid trials, purchases, and services in Elizabethtown, Lititz, and Strasburg. |
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