Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurological disorder that is estimated to affect nearly 90,000 people in the U.S. each year. That’s a 50% increase from the previous estimates, and it’s only expected to grow. Without any disease-modifying therapies, the condition will only worsen.
But recently, a new study has shed light on the relationship between PD and hearing loss. Analyzing data from more than 3.5 million veterans, the researchers determined that hearing loss is not just a sensory deficit but a sign of increased risk for more serious, neurological conditions like PD, so today, we are going to dive into this study to discuss how you can mitigate this risk.
The author, Dr. Lee E. Neilson, and his colleagues gathered their evidence from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to explore the association of hearing loss with PD, and they found that veterans with mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss showed progressively higher rates of PD compared to those with normal hearing. These discoveries are consistent with previous research that has shown that the implications of hearing loss extend far beyond being a nuisance; that they are, in fact, linked to neurodegenerative conditions.
These findings position audiologists, like your friends here at Big Sky Audiology, on the front lines. Not only will we be there to manage our patients’ hearing health, but we will also be on the lookout for early signs of neurological conditions while, simultaneously, developing strategies for intervention.
Among other preventative measures, like earplugs, the study found that the use of hearing aids significantly reduced risk. The researchers found that veterans who received hearing aids within two years of an audiogram showing hearing loss effectively delayed the development of PD, and for every 462 individuals treated with hearing aids, one case of PD was prevented over ten years. By enhancing their auditory input, these patients built up their cognitive resilience and potentially mitigated their underlying neurodegenerative conditions—at least for a little while.
These findings emphasize the importance of routine hearing assessments and prompt intervention, and you can start by making an appointment with your local audiologist. Hearing loss is not an isolated issue, and at your appointment, your audiologist will walk you through the relationship hearing loss has to cognitive and neurological health, including PD.
Though there is still a need to examine the underlying mechanisms behind this connection, audiologists must remain hypervigilant. As gatekeepers of hearing health, clinics like Big Sky Audiology are uniquely positioned to make a difference in patients’ lives, not just by addressing hearing deficits but by potentially reducing their risk of serious neurological conditions. By incorporating the insights from this study into practice, we can and will redefine our role in preventive care and solidify our role in this community as essential players in the healthcare ecosystem.
Let’s embrace this opportunity to make every hearing test count – for the ears, the brain, and beyond. Schedule an appointment with us today!
