Some of us can't hear so well, me among them. But will this condition lead to dementia? I can tell you the answer now...YES. But are there ways to delay or avoid that condition? Read this posting to find out how.
Here is another more scientific graphic.
The bottom line is that there are a lot of people in our society struggling with disabling hearing loss.
- 45-54 5%
- 65-74 22%
- 75+ 55%
But those are the disabling unfortunates. There is a transition to get to this stage, and a hearing aid can help.
- For Americans 18 and older, 15% suffer from this ailment, or 37.5 million people.
- This number is 55% if you are older than 74.
- Generally, both ears are affected.
- Because the loss is gradual, you may not realize you are getting deaf.
- Loud noises growing up and genes are to blame.
Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer “yes” to two or more of these questions, or “sometimes” to three or more of these questions, you could have hearing loss and should consider having your hearing checked.
- Does a hearing problem cause you difficulty when listening to TV or radio?
- Does a hearing problem cause you difficulty when attending a party?
- Does a hearing problem cause you to feel frustrated when talking to members of your family?
- Does a hearing problem cause you to feel left out when you are with a group of people?
- Does a hearing problem cause you difficulty when visiting friends, relatives, or neighbors?
- Do you feel challenged by a hearing problem?
- Do you feel that any difficulty with your hearing limits or hampers your personal or social life?
- Does a hearing problem cause you to feel uncomfortable when talking to friends?
- Does a hearing problem cause you to avoid groups of people?
- Does a hearing problem cause you to visit friends, relatives, or neighbors less often than you would like?
- Hearing loss may actually be a cause of dementia.
- Your declining hearing leads many to self-isolation.
- Your brain is affected.
- There is also the added risk of depression and falls.
- Hearing loss, though, at this time only accounts for 8% of dementia cases, but with 10 million new dementia cases/year, hearing loss is thus responsible for 800,000 new dementia cases/year.
- Seek advice from your primary care physician, who will send you to an octoloryngologist (ENT) or audiologist.
- An octoloryngologist treats ailments of the ear, nose, neck and throat, and is called an ENT.
- Your ENT could well refer you to an audologist, who is trained to identify and measure hearing loss and recommend a solution.
- Almost always, this will be hearing aids, although some will get choclear implants, which are small electronic devices that are surgically implanted in the inner ear to help provide a sense of sound to people who are profoundly deaf or have a severe hearing loss.
- There too are other assistive listening devices for phones, etc.
- Ask them to face you when they talk, for hearing is complemented by lip movements and expressions.
- Have them talk louder, slower and more clearly.
- Turn off background noise, such as a TV, during a serious discussion.
- When you go to a restaurant, ask for a quiet area to soften or block noise.
To read more about hearing loss, visit:
How to get hearing aids. In addition to your doctor(s), check the internet. However, be careful of what organization is doing any comparative study. Something like the National Council on Aging is safe and fair. These are their top choices for 2025:
- #1 Best Overall: Jabra.
- #2 Most Affordable: Audien Hearing.
- #3 Best for Post-Purchase Care: Audicus.
- #4 Best Invisible Fit: Eargo.
- #5 Most Personalized Solution: Hear.Com.
- Their staff may not be an audiologists.
- Otherwise, for price and convenience, Costco is okay.
- But they recommend that you come to them (the source of this review) for a complete service. No cost factors are indicated.
- This review is by South County Hearing, a source to connect you to audiologists in Rhode Island.
Here is another report by The Daily Mail from the UK:
- Costco, known for its bulk groceries and household goods has become a major player in the hearing market. They now account for 16% of all sales in America, #2 to the Department of Veterans Affairs.
- There are hearing centers in almost all of its 600 locations. They have been doing this since 1989.
- The retailer's success lies in its ability to keep prices low while maintaining a shopping experience free from any high pressure sales tactics.
- Hearing aids at Costco start around $1,500 per pair—significantly cheaper than the usual $3,500 to $7,000 typically charged at clinics.
- The service also offers hearing-aid warranties of three years, follow-up appointments, device and checkups - not to mention hearing tests.
- Finally:
Even audiology experts have acknowledged the challenge of competing with Costco's pricing and service as the retailer offers an affordable solution to hearing loss.
'There's nothing that comes close to the pricing you get at Costco,' says Abram Bailey, a doctor of audiology.
'It's an unfair position for anyone trying to practice audiology, but have I recommended to friends and family that they go to Costco for hearing aids? Yes, I have.'
I got "scammed into reading a long ad by Audien," where the company says their hearing aid is best for old people to prevent dementia. Looked like a typical article, by Senior Health Today, comparing hearing aids, with purported "endorsements" by Forbes, USA Today, etc. However, all this is deceptive. Senior Health Today is part of Audien.
I checked, and Google's AI Overview said:
While Audien hearing aids might be considered a good option for budget-friendly hearing aids, most experts would say Costco generally offers better value and quality for hearing aids compared to Audien due to their reputation for competitive pricing and access to reputable brands, even if the advanced features might be slightly limited compared to other specialist hearing clinics.
On the other hand, CVR Consumer Reviews picked the Audien Atom 2 as their best buy. But, aha:
This business is NOT BBB Accredited.
Find BBB Accredited Businesses in Auto Registrations.
I should have been more alert when I clicked on Learn More.
- They have cheaper versions, but their rated ATOM PRO2 Wireless Rechargeable OTC Hearing Aid can be bought from Amazon for $269, with delivery on February 17.
- The Jabra 500 OTC on Amazon costs $1,795. I think this is about the price I paid at COSTCO. But what about service?
- Best to read this article about Audien before you purchase anything.
I haven't forgotten....Happy Valentine's Day. I have lunch to go to today, then 15 Craigside is having a special Valentine's Day Dinner.
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