Q: How is hearing loss connected with women’s overall health?

A: According to the Better Hearing Institute, women with hearing loss are more likely to be depressed. Women with diabetes may experience a greater degree of hearing loss as they age or through the use of common pain relievers such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Lowering the risk of hearing loss can be achieved in numerous ways, including by increasing physical activity levels, not smoking, regular fish consumption, and higher intake of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Experts also believe that interventions like hearing aids could potentially delay or prevent dementia. This year, my staff and I are celebrating 40 years of providing hearing health care to the community. We look forward to doing so for many more years.

Leslie E. Herman, AuD, CCC-A