Baycrest

18 BrainMatters SPRING/SUMMER 2019 HEARING, MEMORY and Brain Health New research and innovative projects lead to advancements in addressing hearing loss H earing loss is commonly accepted as a normal part of aging, however, it can lead to more complex health concerns. A recent Baycrest study published in the Canadian Journal on Aging found that over half of the 20 participants (56%) being evaluated for memory, thinking concerns and potential brain disorders had some form of hearing loss; but only 20 per cent of these individuals used hearing aids. Research suggests that hearing loss not only has a significant impact on the quality of an individual's life, but can contribute to additional issues, including depression, increased risk of dementia, hospitalizations and more. Marilyn Reed, one of the authors of the study and audiology practice advisor in Baycrest's Hearing Services clinic, explains how treating individuals for hearing loss could possibly help reduce the risk factor for dementia. "People who can't hear well have difficulty communicating and tend to withdraw from social activities as a way of coping. This can lead to isolation and loneliness, which can impact cognitive, physical and mental health." Issues related to hearing are the third most common ailment affecting older adults, experienced by 50 per cent of individuals over the age of 60 and 90 per cent of individuals over the age of 80. Denial of hearing loss is common, and seeking treatment is low on the priority list for many — less than 25 per cent of individuals who need hearing aids buy them. The study conducted a hearing screening test after the cognitive evaluation portion of each participant's session and then shared the information about their hearing status with their neuropsychologist. Results indicate that the neuropsychologists altered some of their advice following the results of the hearing test. They included referrals for full audiology assessments or recommendations for hearing aids. The study's lead author, Dr. Kate Dupuis, a former postdoctoral fellow at Baycrest, clinical neuropsychologist and Schlegel Innovation Leader at the Sheridan Centre for Elder Research, concluded that in order to provide the best care for older adults, neuropsychologists should work closely with hearing care professionals to address related issues that may be taking place. The Hearing Services team had previously conducted an analogous study in which they investigated how aware audiologists were of a client's cognitive status, and whether they considered conditions such as memory loss or attentional difficulties when recommending interventions. Audiologists are using these findings to further develop next best practices to address both hearing and cognitive loss in older adults. Since the results of the most recent study were published, Baycrest's Neuropsychology and Cognitive Health Program, as well as the Hearing Services

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