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Johns Hopkins Health - Loud and Clear

Winter 2016
Issue No. 31

Loud and Clear

Date: February 2, 2016


JHM_Winter16_06 (2)

After noticing hearing loss and cognitive decline showing up in studies about aging, Johns Hopkins hearing expert Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., decided to investigate. He’s found striking associations between hearing loss and a higher risk of dementia. Lin believes there are three main reasons for the link. One, your brain is overloaded with processing distorted sound. Two, hearing loss may cause structural changes in the brain. And three, hearing loss may lead to social isolation, a contributor to dementia. The good news is that not every person who suffers hearing loss can expect dementia. And there are steps you can take to preserve your hearing and address hearing loss.

  • Live a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle Changes that are good for the heart, such as eating a Mediterranean diet and getting regular exercise, are good for the ears too.
  • Protect Your Ears Always wear protection when mowing, using a leaf- or snowblower, and going to a concert.
  • Heed Warning Signs If it seems that everyone is mumbling, or you’re increasingly turning up the volume on the TV or radio, get your hearing checked.

Learn more on March 8: Hearing expert Frank Lin, M.D., Ph.D., will share findings from his research into the ways hearing loss impacts overall health in the 8 p.m. (EDT) webinar “The Health Risks Linked to Hearing Loss.” To register: hopkinsmedicine.org/healthseminars

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