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Each year the Academy of Doctors of Audiology hosts a wonderful 3 day conference where like-minded audiologists and practice owners get together and continue to learn and grow within the field of audiology. This year, our director of operations, Therese and I were in attendance and Therese even had the honor of speaking in a breakout session.
We also had the privilege of listening to Dr. Frank Lin discuss his most recent research called the ACHIEVE study. You’re going to want to read this!
In this month’s article I will discuss the results of the most recent study published by Dr. Lin based directly on his presentation. I was so impacted by this research that I felt inclined to share more information with you all.
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Treating Hearing Loss Can Significantly Reduce Cognitive Decline as we Age:
A Brief Review of the ACHIEVE Study
By: Dr. Whitney Swander AuD
Owner and Audiologist
Hearing HealthCare Centers
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If you’ve been following the research about hearing loss and cognitive impairment, you’ll know that evidence of a correlation is piling up. While we don’t know all of the dots that connect why untreated hearing loss can lead to memory loss and dementia, it cannot be denied that there’s a strong relationship.
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What hasn’t been studied in as great of detail is whether cognitive decline can be prevented or even reversed with hearing treatment.
Frank Lin, MD, PhD, and Josef Coresh, MD, PhD from Johns Hopkins University published some results of a landmark 3-year study this year with some surprising results.
I was honored to see Dr. Lin present his research at the Academy of Doctors of Audiology conference a few weeks ago so I’m pleased to share with you what I learned.
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The ACHIEVE Study:
The study was called Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE). If you want a deeper dive than what I will include here, you can find it at https://www.achievestudy.org/about.
There were 977 participants between the ages of 70-84. All of the participants had untreated hearing loss. The majority of them were healthy volunteers who were simply interested in participating, but nearly 250 of them came from an existing study of people with cardiovascular and heart health risk factors. That will be an important detail later.
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While we don’t know all of the dots that connect why untreated hearing loss can lead to memory loss and dementia, it cannot be denied that there’s a strong relationship.
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From that group of 977, they were split up. A randomly selected half of the group received health education, this was the control group, while the other half received intervention for their hearing loss.
The hearing intervention group received “best practice” hearing care from an audiologist for a 3-year period.
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The health education group followed the 10 Keys to Healthy Aging program used by the US Centers for Disease Control. They had multiple meetings with the educator over a three year period to educate them on immunizations, cancer screenings and maintaining healthy joints and bones among other things.
The hearing intervention group received complete hearing evaluations from certified audiologists, lifestyle assessments to determine appropriate technology, devices fit to prescriptive targets, complete instruction about use and care, and follow up care and maintenance multiple times per year for the three year study.
Both groups underwent extensive cognitive test batteries annually.
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In older adults at increased risk for cognitive decline, hearing intervention slowed down loss of thinking and memory abilities by 48% over 3 years.
The group of participants in the heart health study who received hearing treatment experienced 48% less cognitive change in the 3-year period than the heart health study participants who only received health education.
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In older adults at increased risk for cognitive decline, hearing intervention slowed down this decline in loss of thinking and memory abilities by 48% over 3 years!
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In the healthy participants there was not a significant change in cognition between the hearing treatment group and the health education group in those three years.
It does not mean cognition was not impacted, just that it was not a long enough period to see significant changes in this group.
So what does this all mean?
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There are a lot of things that can lead to cognitive decline and dementia in the course of one’s life, including genetics, medications, overall health and lifestyle. Heading to the top of the list is hearing loss. And while we can’t undo genetics and we often can’t undo medication and lifestyle choices that have been made over the years, treating hearing loss is one thing we can control.
Hearing care is the #1 most modifiable life choice that can prevent dementia and cognitive decline.
This study underscores that if someone has other health issues, such as cardiovascular problems or diabetes, their chances of developing dementia are higher. However, their potential to slow dementia’s progression is even greater than their healthier counterparts.
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The bottom line is, proper treatment of hearing loss is the best way to keep your brain happy and healthy throughout your life and that is worth celebrating!
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From the audiologists at Hearing HealthCare Centers, we thank you for your support and trust.
We are proud to serve the front range community!
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We want to HEAR from YOU!!
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PATIENT TESTIMONIALS
"Dr Taylor was awesome by showing her professionalism and compassion. She really showed me she cared and wanted to help me. I highly recommend her for any hearing questions or concerns. She is definitely my Dr."
Ric
" I have been a client with Hearing Healthcare Centers for a number of years and have always been treated in a very friendly and professional manner. I would recommend them without hesitation!!!"
Bubbs
" This was a fantastic place to be. Welcomed with open arms by Jennifer and a great smile. Then we were taken great care of with Dr Heather Wibberley. She took all the time we needed and cared about us. The two of them were a God's gift to us. Thank you so much."
George
“I am amazed at how well I can hear! I no longer have to ask people,' What did you say?'”
Nadia
“Thanks for the good hearing care for my late husband and me. It’s been a great association with improved hearing. Thanks for encouraging me to get out of my comfort level with a new aid and it’s been great.”
Martha
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(303) 499-3900
(303) 464-8440
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(719) 591-2463
(303) 777-9720
(970) 221-5011
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(303) 776-8748
(970) 593-1509
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Hearing HealthCare Centers - Boulder, 4800 Baseline Road #E-108, Boulder, CO 80303, United States
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