I recently had the pleasure of being interviewed by Fox 5 to discuss the crucial role that hearing health plays in our overall well-being.

It was an opportunity to shed light on some of the lesser-known connections between hearing, cognitive function, and balance, and to introduce some of the exciting new technologies we're using at Hearing Doctors to help our patients live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Why Hearing Health Is About More Than Just Hearing

During the interview, I emphasized that hearing is not just about detecting sound. Our ears do so much more than just help us hear; they are vital to our balance, cognitive function, and overall quality of life.

Many people don’t realize that untreated hearing loss can significantly impact their health. In fact, hearing loss is linked to a higher risk of falls, cognitive decline, social isolation, depression, and even loneliness.

What was particularly exciting to share was the recent finding from the 2024 Lancet study. The study identifies treating hearing loss as the number one modifiable risk factor in preventing cognitive decline. This means that by addressing hearing loss early, we can actually help prevent or slow down cognitive deterioration—a fact that many people are not aware of.

Introducing Advanced Technology at Hearing Doctors

Hearing Doctors takes a holistic approach to hearing care that goes beyond just evaluating your ability to hear. We assess how hearing loss affects balance and cognitive function. During the interview, I showcased some of the advanced technology we use in our practice:

One of the tools I demonstrated is our balance assessment board. This FDA-cleared system evaluates your risk of falling by identifying whether you're at low, medium, or high risk. This is particularly important because balance issues are often directly related to hearing loss, especially in older adults.

Another fascinating tool we use involves special goggles that measure eye muscle movement. This test can help us identify issues like dizziness, vertigo, and other inner ear conditions that might affect your balance. Understanding these connections allows us to create a personalized care plan that addresses both your hearing and balance concerns.

Why We Go Beyond Basic Hearing Tests

During the interview, I was asked about new technologies from companies like Apple, which now offers at-home hearing tests and built-in hearing aids in their devices. While I’m thrilled that such technology is becoming more accessible, I made it clear that it is not a replacement for professional, comprehensive care.

These devices can help detect basic hearing loss, but they do not offer the depth of understanding that a comprehensive assessment at Hearing Doctors provides. We focus not only on identifying hearing loss but also on understanding how it affects speech in different environments and its impact on cognitive function.

This holistic approach enables us to provide a higher level of care and support for our patients.

When Should You Come See Us?

One of the key points I wanted to drive home during the interview was the importance of early detection. If you’re using new technologies like AirPods that indicate a potential hearing loss, don’t wait. Come in for a full assessment to determine if there are underlying issues that need to be addressed.

This topic is particularly close to my heart. I shared a personal story about my late mother, who experienced cognitive decline. Had we known that treating hearing loss could have mitigated her symptoms and improved her quality of life, her journey could have been so different.

This is why I’m so passionate about educating people on the importance of early detection and treatment.

Look After Your Hearing Health

Hearing Doctors believes that treating hearing loss is not just about improving your ability to hear—it's about enhancing your overall health and well-being. By taking a comprehensive approach to your hearing health, we can help prevent falls, slow cognitive decline, and improve your quality of life in so many ways.

If you're experiencing any issues with your hearing or balance, I encourage you to take the first step toward better health today. Schedule an appointment or find out more about how we can help.

Thank you to Fox 5 for the opportunity to share this important message. I hope our conversation encourages more people to take their hearing health seriously and to understand the profound impact it can have on every aspect of their lives.