As the principal audiologist at Hearing Doctors, I was honored to be invited to Fox 5 for their Wellness Wednesday segment.

It was a great opportunity to dive into some of the latest high-tech advancements in hearing care and explore how these innovations impact not only hearing but also balance, cognitive health, and overall well-being.

Hearing and Balance: More Connected Than You Think

During the interview, I emphasized a point that many people might not be aware of—our ears do far more than help us hear. They play a crucial role in maintaining our balance and cognitive health. September is Healthy Aging and Fall Prevention Month, which made it the perfect time to shed light on these critical connections.

Untreated hearing loss can contribute to several significant health issues, including an increased risk of falls, cognitive decline, isolation, depression, and even loneliness. These connections are backed by research, including a 2024 Lancet study that found treating hearing loss is the number one modifiable risk factor in preventing cognitive decline.

This highlights just how important it is to address hearing health early.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Comprehensive Care

Hearing Doctors believes in a comprehensive approach to hearing care, which involves not only treating hearing loss but also looking at the bigger picture—how hearing loss affects balance and cognitive health. During the segment, I demonstrated some of the advanced technology we use to provide a more thorough assessment and treatment plan for our patients.

One of the tools I brought was a balance board, which measures a patient’s fall risk by assessing their stability. The board determines whether a person is at low, medium, or high risk for falls, which is particularly important for our older patients. With this information, we can develop personalized strategies to reduce fall risk and improve overall quality of life.

In addition to the balance board, I showcased a tool that measures eye movements, which is vital for diagnosing inner ear issues that can cause dizziness or vertigo. By tracking muscle movement and vision, we can better understand the root causes of balance and hearing problems, allowing us to create a more targeted and effective treatment plan.

Cognitive Health and Hearing: A Holistic Approach

One of the most exciting pieces of technology we use is an FDA-cleared system that measures cognitive health. This system helps us assess a patient’s cognitive abilities alongside their hearing, providing us with a fuller picture of their overall health.

With this information, we can create more effective treatment plans that address not only hearing loss but also potential cognitive issues.

The Latest from Apple: AirPods as Hearing Aids?

The conversation took an interesting turn when we discussed Apple’s latest announcement about their new AirPods, which are being marketed as offering at-home hearing tests or even functioning as built-in hearing aids. While I appreciate the innovation, I was quick to explain that, while these devices may help identify pure-tone hearing loss, what we do at Hearing Doctors is much more diagnostic and medically focused.

For us, it’s not just about identifying if someone has hearing loss; it’s about understanding how hearing loss affects balance, cognition, and overall health. The medical approach we use ensures that we’re treating the whole person, not just addressing one aspect of hearing.

While devices like AirPods may be a convenient option for basic hearing checks, they can’t replace the comprehensive care and treatment that a professional audiologist provides.

Looking to the Future of Hearing Health

It was exciting to share all of this information on Fox 5, and I hope it helps more people understand the importance of taking a comprehensive approach to their hearing health. The advancements in hearing technology are opening up incredible possibilities for improving not just hearing, but also balance, cognitive health, and overall quality of life.

We’re committed to staying on the cutting edge of these developments so that we can offer our patients the best care possible. Whether you’re dealing with hearing loss, balance issues, or cognitive concerns, we’re here to provide personalized, holistic care to help you live your best life.

Schedule an appointment with Hearing Doctors today for a comprehensive evaluation.

Schedule an appointment with Hearing Doctors today for a comprehensive evaluation.

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Dr. Ana Anzola, CCC-A, FAAA, ABA Principal

Dr. Anzola received her Doctorate degree in Audiology (AuD) from the Arizona School of Health Sciences, and her Master’s Degree in Audiology and her Bachelor's Degree in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from Towson University. She has been a fellow of the American Academy of Audiology (AAA) since 1995, board-certified by the American Board of Audiology (ABA), and certified by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
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