Summarizes recent research that has linked hearing loss to more serious conditions such as dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, memory impairment, and general cognitive decline.

1. 8 Reasons Hearing Loss
Is More Dangerous
Than You Think

2. 48 million people suffer from
some form of hearing loss in the
US…

3. …and while most people consider
hearing loss to be simply frustrating
and “just part of getting old”…

4. …recent research suggests that
hearing loss is more dangerous than
anyone could have imagined. Here are
the reasons why…

5. Reason # 1: Link to Dementia &
Alzheimer’s Disease
A study from Johns Hopkins University and the
National Institute on Aging suggests that those
with hearing loss are significantly more likely to
develop dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease,
compared with those who retain their hearing.

6. Reason # 2: Depression & Social
Isolation
Researchers from the National Institute on Deafness
and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), part
of the National Institutes of Health, have found a
strong association between hearing impairment and
depression among U.S. adults of all ages and races.

7. Reason # 3: Not Hearing Alerts to
Danger
Car horns, ambulance and police sirens, and fire
alarms all are designed to alert you to potential
danger. If you miss these signals, you place
yourself at an increased risk of injury.

8. Reason # 4: Memory Impairment
& Mental Decline
Studies at Johns Hopkins University suggest that
adults with hearing loss experience a 40% higher
rate of decline in cognitive function compared to
those with normal hearing.

9. Reason # 5: Lower Household
Income
In a survey of over 40,000 households conducted by
the Better Hearing Institute, hearing loss was shown
to negatively impact household income up to $12,000
annually, depending on the degree of hearing loss.
Those who wore hearing aids, however, reduced this
impact by 50%.

10. Reason # 6: Auditory Deprivation
A growing body of research suggests that hearing loss
gets worse over time, in a way similar to how our
muscles atrophy when not used.

11. Reason # 7: Underlying Medical
Conditions
Hearing loss is sometimes the symptom of a more serious, underlying medical condition, such
as:
• Cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, and diabetes
• Otosclerosis - the hardening of the middle ear bones
• Ménière's disease - a disorder of the inner ear affecting hearing and balance
• Traumatic injuries
• Infections, earwax buildup, or blockages from foreign objects
• Tumors
• Medications - there are more than 200 medications and chemicals that are known to cause
hearing and balance problems

12. Reason # 8: Increased Risk of Falls
Johns Hopkins University research suggests that
people with a 25-decibel hearing loss, classified as
mild, were almost three times more likely to have a
history of falling. And for every additional 10-decibels
of hearing loss, the chances of falling increased by 1.4
times.

13. Treat Your Hearing Loss, Reduce
Your Risk
The good news is that all of these risks can be avoided or
reduced by treating your hearing loss. And, almost all
forms of hearing loss are highly treatable.
If you or someone you know suspects hearing loss,
schedule a hearing test today.
Phone: (503) 877-1684
Tollfree: (888) 539-9221
www.salemaudiologyclinic.com