HJNO Nov/Dec 2022

HEALTHCARE JOURNAL OF NEW ORLEANS I  NOV / DEC 2022 49 Daphne H. Dominguez, EdD Assisted Living Administrator Lambeth House associated with wearing hearing aids, in- cluding appearance, expense, and the op- eration andmaintenance of the device. The top reasons the respondents in the study gave for not getting their hearing checked were that they denied experiencing hear- ing loss, or their healthcare provider didn’t recommend it. Many senior living residents report they don’t have time for hearing aids, comparing them to contact lenses. Others report they are just too proud to wear them. Walsh often asks her clients, “What are you going to do when you don’t hear someone trying to break into your home? Are you willing to risk a bad car accident because you can’t hear a horn honking at you?” Just like other overlooked health conditions, failing to acknowledge hearing loss puts individuals at an increased risk for accidents and un- necessary hospital visits. Consumer awareness and continued support from healthcare providers, pri- mary care physicians, and specialists are essential for aiding patients in understand- ing options for services regarding hearing loss. Being aware of public challenges may also educate consumers and providers about hearing services that should exist and which they may want to inquire about. Some of the challenges include a lack of routine hearing screening and simple di- agnostic testing, low referrals from phy- sicians, lack of awareness about cochlear implants and eligibility criteria (it is not always the last resort), and inconsistent models of hearing aids and hearing aid care. Walsh suggested the following tips for those consumers interested in improv- ing their hearing health: • Understand contract details when purchasing hearing aids. For exam- ple, New Orleans Speech and Hearing offers fitting services without requir- ing any type of contract. • If your loved one lives in a commu- nity setting, inquire if hearing aid specialists visit the site regularly. This is extremely helpful for senior living residents who have mobility issues. • Developing a trusting relationship with the hearing aid specialist is a must. While hearing loss is common among older adults, some fail to complain or recognize the deficit, which can be a major social, health, and quality-of-life issue. The prevalence of hearing loss will only increase as the aging population increases. Physicians, don’t let your patients leave your office without recommending a hearing evaluation; and patients, don’t put off scheduling your appointment with an audiologist! n REFERENCES 1 Carlson, M. L.; Nassiri, A. M.; Marinelli, J. P; et al. “Awareness, perceptions, and literacy surround- ing hearing loss and hearing rehabilitation among the adult population in the United States.” Otolo- gy & Neurotology 43, no. 3 (March 1, 2022): e323- e330. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000003473 2 American Academy of Audiology. “Consum- ers and Patients.” (accessed September 2022). https://www.audiology.org/consumers-and-pa- tients/ 3 Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Types of Hearing Loss.” (accessed September 2022) https://www. hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-dis- eases/hearing-loss/types-of-hearing-loss the seniors I work with center around in- dependence, interacting with friends and family, and feeling safe. How can individu- als with untreated hearing loss remain in- dependent, communicate effectively, and be confidently safe? Hearing is one of the main human senses. We see, taste, touch, smell, and hear. So, if hearing is so impor- tant, why are individuals reluctant to ad- dress hearing loss, and what is the big fear of wearing hearing aids? Melody Walsh, a licensed audiologist from New Orleans Speech and Hearing Center provided me with some insight on these very questions. Walsh has worked as an audiologist for the New Orleans Speech and Hearing Cen- ter since 2010. She visits Lambeth House at least once a month and is dedicated to enhancing the hearing of all the clients she provides services to. According to Walsh, “It is not normal to have hearing loss at any age.” Walsh emphasized: education is key. Although we hear with our ears, un- derstanding human speech involves the ear and the brain, and the way we hear var- ies from person to person because every person’s brain is different. Melody also re- ported that individuals who have untreat- ed hearing loss may face additional health challenges such as cognitive deficits, de- pression, and even diabetes. She stated, “If you don’t use it, you lose it. By not being able to hear, you are not exercising your nerves and brain. Even mild hearing loss can cause a cognitive decline. Wearing hearing aids stimulates your brain. Think of it as exercise for your ears and brain!” Walsh also addressed several stigmas