Physician driven, audiologist directed
By Nina Polien Light
Some patients come to Dr. Bert Brown’s office claiming their minor hearing loss is no big deal. Others declare they could get decent and lower-priced hearing aids at a big-box store.
In both cases, the otolaryngologist explains why treating hearing loss correctly is as important as caring for any other function of the human body.
“A recent study confirms hearing loss increases the risk of developing dementia by up to three to five times, depending on the degree of hearing loss,” says Dr. Brown of Cleveland ENT/Physician Hearing Centers. “That’s expected to triple by 2050.”
Researchers are unsure why there is an association between hearing loss and dementia. They believe it may be because of increased cognitive load on the brain stemming from the social isolation and depression experienced by people who “check out” of their normal activities after growing frustrated with their inability to hear conversation. The study reinforces that correcting even minor hearing loss can prevent dementia or, at least, delay its onset.
That is why it is so important to consult with experienced hearing professionals, Dr. Brown asserts.
“Patients tell me any place can fit a hearing aid because computers do the work anyway, but the truth is, computers don’t account for how each individual’s brain processes hearing,” he says.
“A center like ours analyzes each patient’s hearing difficulties and lifestyle, decides which options will work best, and then takes the time to customize hearing aids by making all necessary adjustments. Digital technology is great, but it can’t replace an experienced audiologist.”
The folks at Cleveland ENT/Physician Hearing Centers take their motto to heart: “Physician Driven. Audiologist Directed.”
Dr. Brown is an MD and his staff includes experienced ENT doctors as well as doctors of audiology who work together as a team to create the best hearing plan for each patient.
“Our Doctors of Audiology are always aware of the newest technology,” says Dr. Brown.
“For example, rechargeable hearings aids have dramatically improved, and can operate for more than 24 hours, so there is little chance the battery will “die” while the patient is out and about. It is a good choice for folks with arthritis or other physical issues who have difficulty changing batteries.”
Hearing aids with Bluetooth connectivity allow hearing aids to communicate with a smartphone, permitting wearers to make minor adjustments on their own. This is useful for someone who may have trouble holding a conversation in a crowded restaurant, for instance. An experienced audiologist is still recommended for regular adjustments.
Dr. Brown says some patients hesitate to wear hearing aids because of vanity, but, he points out, many of today’s hearing aids fit behind or inside the ear—meaning wearers can look good, hear well, improve their quality of life and promote their brain health.
Cleveland ENT/Physician Hearing Centers has two locations: 640 East Aurora Road, in Macedonia, 330-908-0367; and 6770 Mayfield Road, Suite 210 (in the atrium of Hillcrest Hospital) in Mayfield Heights, 440-461-0766. (These phone numbers are for general appointments.) The website is PhysicianHearingCenters.com.