Dementia Prevention

Back in July, I posted about a report released by the Lancet Commission regarding Nine Modifiable Risk Factors for Dementia.  It was proposed that one-third of all dementia cases could be prevented.  Of course, I was excited that treating hearing loss by midlife was one of the nine risk factors.  

Today I came across the following infographic depicting each modifiable risk factor and it's proposed contribution to dementia.  Treating hearing loss by midlife could eliminate 9% of dementia....NINE PERCENT.  WHOA!  

That is "treating" hearing loss by midlife.  Many people don't even "diagnose" hearing loss by midlife.  My challenge to you is...have your hearing tested!  A hearing test is non-invasive and covered by most insurance companies.  Why not rule out hearing loss?  And...on the off chance that you do have some hearing loss, it can be monitored early and treated when it becomes necessary.  

Wouldn't you like to see that 9% of dementia disappear?  As someone who has lost family members to dementia, I would!

Why Doesn't My Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?

Why Doesn't My Insurance Cover Hearing Aids?

I cannot begin to tell you how often I get this question.  The following post details the complex issues of lack of insurance coverage.  Since I cannot word it better myself, here's the link: https://www.healthyhearing.com/report/52484-Why-aren-t-hearing-aids-covered-by-insurance

Additionally, we are seeing some insurance companies pick up partial coverage for adults.  In our area Humana Gold has a benefit!  Federal BlueCross BlueShield has a benefit, and some larger companies carry benefits for their employees, like Entergy.  I've seen coverage under some BCBS, Cigna, and United Healthcare policies.  Some insurance companies offer a discount by purchase through a contracted program or provider, rather than a dollar amount or percentage paid benefit.  

If you have more questions about navigating Hearing Aids & Insurance, feel free to email or call our office.  We'd be more than happy to help!

October & Hearing Loss Awareness

October is National Protect Your Hearing Month and National Audiology Awareness Month!

May individuals learned the hard way about hearing protection.  Unfortunately, years ago, we did not know what we know today about hearing health.  People who worked in industrial settings or were in the military were not trained to use hearing protection.  That doesn't even include the noise exposure for fun things like concerts and motorcycles!

Thankfully today we understand how noise affects our hearing and what to do to avoid permanent hearing damage.  The accompanying image plots some common noise sources and their sound pressure levels.

More information on Noise Induced Hearing Loss can be found here:
http://www.howsyourhearing.org/FSNIHL.pdf

And I'd suggest taking a quick Hearing Quiz to see if you need a hearing exam.  Audiological evaluations are covered by most insurance companies!