We Would Love to See Our Family Physicians Incorporate Hearing Screening into Routine Primary Care

When new Medicare recipients see their doctor for their Welcome to Medicare visit, the doctor may or may not ask about hearing. So far, hearing health has not been given an "A" rating, which is a flat-out recommendation to provide service. The doctor may be speaking loudly in a small room one-to-one setting, and so a hearing issue may not be on his/her radar.

But, the evidence is mounting to support early intervention for hearing loss. Early detection and appropriate intervention holds the key in reducing disability and maintaining independence. Last year's PCAST (President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology) endorsed access to appropriate hearing technology especially for people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Research finds that hearing aids, when indicated, boost social engagement, reduced caregiver and family stress, and reduced symptoms of depression, all factors important in positive health outcomes and quality of life.

As we have reported in the past, there are independent associations between hearing loss and an array of broader health issues, including cognitive decline, functional dependence, falls, social isolation, diabetes, cardiac problems and patient-physician communication.
Physicians, asked to be experts in so many health areas, may not be aware of the array of current treatment options available for hearing help.

So, if you or a loved one has concern about ease of hearing:

• Difficulty understanding family members
• Difficulty understanding health care providers
• Difficulty with group conversation
• Difficulty hearing in noise
• Difficulty hearing on the phone
• Communication is tiring or hearing loss interferes with easy flow of conversation…

Ask your doctor for a referral for a diagnostic hearing evaluation. We will make some measurements with you, and then educate and inform you about the results. We always send a clear report to your physician to explain the results.

Remember that communication is key to a full and joyous life at any age. Never say "at my age….…" I thought of this recently at holiday services when a 102 year old lady – a choreographer by training – led the congregation in beautiful body movements to accompany a prayer. 102! And still reaching up and out, and living strong. Remember: at the end of the day – what we have is connection and communication.