Latest news with #NicholasReed
The Guardian
31-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Why it's important to protect your hearing as you age – and what experts suggest
A recent study examined the potential link between hearing loss and dementia, suggesting that treating hearing loss can help the brain. Although the possible connection is still being untangled, study co-author and audiologist Nicholas Reed advises prioritizing hearing health regardless. 'There are already more than enough established benefits related to hearing care,' says Reed, a faculty member of the NYU Langone Health Optimal Aging Institute. What's especially important about supporting hearing health is the effect it has on keeping people engaged in the world, Reed explains. Here's what experts recommend in order to support your hearing as you age. Hearing loss can result from a wide range of genetic and environmental factors, such as chronic diseases and smoking. Some also experience age-related hearing loss, called presbycusis. Hearing loss is 'not about volume', Reed explains. Instead, it's a clarity issue. We lose our hearing at different frequencies at different rates, which can make sounds garbled. There is a tendency to 'normalize hearing loss as we age to some extent', says Reed. Other conditions can seem more pressing, and hearing loss becomes a low priority. There can be 'downstream effects' in a healthcare context because hearing loss can hinder patient-provider communication, says Reed. Early research suggests that hearing loss is associated with increased cognitive decline and an increased risk of new cases of dementia, although further studies are needed to understand this connection. Researchers have not, however, found a cause-and-effect relationship between hearing loss and dementia. Reed and his colleagues wanted to calculate the number of cases of dementia there could be in a population if a potential risk factor, in this case hearing loss, was eliminated. They used a sample of nearly 3,000 adults aged 66 to 90 and found 32% of the dementia risk in the sample group was potentially associated with audiometric hearing loss (hearing loss measured through testing). According to the authors, these results suggest that treating hearing loss may delay the onset of dementia in some older adults. However, this research cannot establish whether hearing loss causes dementia, explains co-author Jason Smith, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of North Carolina. One potential reason hearing loss is associated with cognitive changes is that it can lead to more social isolation, which may strain the brain and affect memory, says Reed. Another theory is that because auditory signals stimulate the brain, the lack of stimulation caused by hearing loss can lead to accelerated brain atrophy. If hearing problems are linked to an increased risk of dementia, are there ways to reduce that risk? An influential 2020 Lancet report recommended the use of hearing aids and protecting ears from excessive noise exposure. A 2023 analysis found a connection between the use of devices like hearing aids and a decreased risk of cognitive decline. However, further research is needed. Hearing loss is not an inevitable part of ageing. But certain factors, such as age-related changes to the inner ear and auditory nerve, as well as genetics, are beyond our control. We can still mitigate the likelihood of damage from other causes. For example, we can manage conditions associated with hearing loss, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. We can also limit exposure to sources of damaging noise, like construction equipment, lawn mowers, motorcycles and loud music. Small actions, like protecting your hearing at a loud concert with over-ear headphones, which Reed prefers to earplugs, can have a big impact. Sign up to Well Actually Practical advice, expert insights and answers to your questions about how to live a good life after newsletter promotion 'A healthy lifestyle and healthy listening habits can go a long way,' says Reed. Reed also recommends that people start getting their hearing tested in their late 30s or 40s. Establishing a baseline can help you identify changes over time, and indicate if and when new habits might be useful. The longer you live with impaired hearing, the harder it is to adjust to tools like hearing aids. Several treatments and devices can help alleviate hearing loss, but their effectiveness depends on the individual. If you suspect you have hearing issues, it's best to have your hearing checked and discuss options with your healthcare provider. Hearing aids can be purchased over-the-counter or with a prescription. Reed says learning how to wear them takes time and practice. There's a critical public health need to expand coverage for these tools, says Smith, because it's well-established that hearing aids can improve quality of life. While studies haven't proven that hearing aids will delay dementia, scientists are intrigued by their potential to support brain health. 'The idea is that, in theory, if a person uses hearing aids, communication becomes easier and you lower the burden of cognitive load,' says Reed. 'You're stimulating the brain with more auditory signals.' Staying engaged in social networks is key to maintaining mental and physical wellbeing, says Reed. In a 2025 study, Reed and colleagues found that, among people with hearing loss, participants who received hearing aids and were counseled on their use experienced less loneliness and social isolation. They also had more varied types of connections, such as friends, family and acquaintances. Similarly, assistive technologies may help. These range widely in function and design, but generally amplify sound, reduce background noise, and improve communication. For example, apps that convert speech to text can assist with phone calls, and personal amplifiers can enhance hearing in conversations. People with mild to moderate hearing loss may find some relief in settings like crowded restaurants through items like the Apple AirPods Pro 2, which feature a built-in hearing aid, says Reed. In some instances, what can help a person manage hearing loss best is how they are supported by their community. There's a need for more equitable environments that support people with sensory health needs, says Smith. 'Some communication tips can go really far,' says Reed. 'Good communication is looking someone in the face. It's speaking slowly. It's about rephrasing and adding context.'
Yahoo
30-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Why it's important to protect your hearing as you age – and what experts suggest
A recent study examined the potential link between hearing loss and dementia, suggesting that treating hearing loss can help the brain. Although the possible connection is still being untangled, study co-author and audiologist Nicholas Reed advises prioritizing hearing health regardless. 'There are already more than enough established benefits related to hearing care,' says Reed, a faculty member of the NYU Langone Health Optimal Aging Institute. What's especially important about supporting hearing health is the effect it has on keeping people engaged in the world, Reed explains. Here's what experts recommend in order to support your hearing as you age. How does hearing loss occur? Hearing loss can result from a wide range of genetic and environmental factors, such as chronic diseases and smoking. Some also experience age-related hearing loss, called presbycusis. Hearing loss is 'not about volume', Reed explains. Instead, it's a clarity issue. We lose our hearing at different frequencies at different rates, which can make sounds garbled. Related: I thought I was a bad listener. Turns out, I couldn't hear There is a tendency to 'normalize hearing loss as we age to some extent', says Reed. Other conditions can seem more pressing, and hearing loss becomes a low priority. There can be 'downstream effects' in a healthcare context because hearing loss can hinder patient-provider communication, says Reed. What is the relationship between hearing loss and dementia? Early research suggests that hearing loss is associated with increased cognitive decline and an increased risk of new cases of dementia, although further studies are needed to understand this connection. Researchers have not, however, found a cause-and-effect relationship between hearing loss and dementia. Reed and his colleagues wanted to calculate the number of cases of dementia there could be in a population if a potential risk factor, in this case hearing loss, was eliminated. They used a sample of nearly 3,000 adults aged 66 to 90 and found 32% of the dementia risk in the sample group was potentially associated with audiometric hearing loss (hearing loss measured through testing). According to the authors, these results suggest that treating hearing loss may delay the onset of dementia in some older adults. However, this research cannot establish whether hearing loss causes dementia, explains co-author Jason Smith, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of North Carolina. One potential reason hearing loss is associated with cognitive changes is that it can lead to more social isolation, which may strain the brain and affect memory, says Reed. Another theory is that because auditory signals stimulate the brain, the lack of stimulation caused by hearing loss can lead to accelerated brain atrophy. If hearing problems are linked to an increased risk of dementia, are there ways to reduce that risk? An influential 2020 Lancet report recommended the use of hearing aids and protecting ears from excessive noise exposure. A 2023 analysis found a connection between the use of devices like hearing aids and a decreased risk of cognitive decline. However, further research is needed. What can you do to prevent hearing loss? Hearing loss is not an inevitable part of ageing. But certain factors, such as age-related changes to the inner ear and auditory nerve, as well as genetics, are beyond our control. We can still mitigate the likelihood of damage from other causes. For example, we can manage conditions associated with hearing loss, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. We can also limit exposure to sources of damaging noise, like construction equipment, lawn mowers, motorcycles and loud music. Small actions, like protecting your hearing at a loud concert with over-ear headphones, which Reed prefers to earplugs, can have a big impact. Related: Get some earplugs – and never remove wax at home: 16 ways to protect your hearing, chosen by audiologists 'A healthy lifestyle and healthy listening habits can go a long way,' says Reed. Reed also recommends that people start getting their hearing tested in their late 30s or 40s. Establishing a baseline can help you identify changes over time, and indicate if and when new habits might be useful. The longer you live with impaired hearing, the harder it is to adjust to tools like hearing aids. Is it possible to reverse hearing loss? Several treatments and devices can help alleviate hearing loss, but their effectiveness depends on the individual. If you suspect you have hearing issues, it's best to have your hearing checked and discuss options with your healthcare provider. Hearing aids can be purchased over-the-counter or with a prescription. Reed says learning how to wear them takes time and practice. There's a critical public health need to expand coverage for these tools, says Smith, because it's well-established that hearing aids can improve quality of life. While studies haven't proven that hearing aids will delay dementia, scientists are intrigued by their potential to support brain health. 'The idea is that, in theory, if a person uses hearing aids, communication becomes easier and you lower the burden of cognitive load,' says Reed. 'You're stimulating the brain with more auditory signals.' Staying engaged in social networks is key to maintaining mental and physical wellbeing, says Reed. In a 2025 study, Reed and colleagues found that, among people with hearing loss, participants who received hearing aids and were counseled on their use experienced less loneliness and social isolation. They also had more varied types of connections, such as friends, family and acquaintances. Similarly, assistive technologies may help. These range widely in function and design, but generally amplify sound, reduce background noise, and improve communication. For example, apps that convert speech to text can assist with phone calls, and personal amplifiers can enhance hearing in conversations. People with mild to moderate hearing loss may find some relief in settings like crowded restaurants through items like the Apple AirPods Pro 2, which feature a built-in hearing aid, says Reed. In some instances, what can help a person manage hearing loss best is how they are supported by their community. There's a need for more equitable environments that support people with sensory health needs, says Smith. 'Some communication tips can go really far,' says Reed. 'Good communication is looking someone in the face. It's speaking slowly. It's about rephrasing and adding context.'
The Guardian
30-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
Why it's important to protect your hearing as you age – and what experts suggest
A recent study examined the potential link between hearing loss and dementia, suggesting that treating hearing loss can help the brain. Although the possible connection is still being untangled, study co-author and audiologist Nicholas Reed advises prioritizing hearing health regardless. 'There are already more than enough established benefits related to hearing care,' says Reed, a faculty member of the NYU Langone Health Optimal Aging Institute. What's especially important about supporting hearing health is the effect it has on keeping people engaged in the world, Reed explains. Here's what experts recommend in order to support your hearing as you age. Hearing loss can result from a wide range of genetic and environmental factors, such as chronic diseases and smoking. Some also experience age-related hearing loss, called presbycusis. Hearing loss is 'not about volume', Reed explains. Instead, it's a clarity issue. We lose our hearing at different frequencies at different rates, which can make sounds garbled. There is a tendency to 'normalize hearing loss as we age to some extent', says Reed. Other conditions can seem more pressing, and hearing loss becomes a low priority. There can be 'downstream effects' in a healthcare context because hearing loss can hinder patient-provider communication, says Reed. Early research suggests that hearing loss is associated with increased cognitive decline and an increased risk of new cases of dementia, although further studies are needed to understand this connection. Researchers have not, however, found a cause-and-effect relationship between hearing loss and dementia. Reed and his colleagues wanted to calculate the number of cases of dementia there could be in a population if a potential risk factor, in this case hearing loss, was eliminated. They used a sample of nearly 3,000 adults aged 66 to 90 and found 32% of the dementia risk in the sample group was potentially associated with audiometric hearing loss (hearing loss measured through testing). According to the authors, these results suggest that treating hearing loss may delay the onset of dementia in some older adults. However, this research cannot establish whether hearing loss causes dementia, explains co-author Jason Smith, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of North Carolina. One potential reason hearing loss is associated with cognitive changes is that it can lead to more social isolation, which may strain the brain and affect memory, says Reed. Another theory is that because auditory signals stimulate the brain, the lack of stimulation caused by hearing loss can lead to accelerated brain atrophy. If hearing problems are linked to an increased risk of dementia, are there ways to reduce that risk? An influential 2020 Lancet report recommended the use of hearing aids and protecting ears from excessive noise exposure. A 2023 analysis found a connection between the use of devices like hearing aids and a decreased risk of cognitive decline. However, further research is needed. Hearing loss is not an inevitable part of ageing. But certain factors, such as age-related changes to the inner ear and auditory nerve, as well as genetics, are beyond our control. We can still mitigate the likelihood of damage from other causes. For example, we can manage conditions associated with hearing loss, such as high blood pressure and diabetes. We can also limit exposure to sources of damaging noise, like construction equipment, lawn mowers, motorcycles and loud music. Small actions, like protecting your hearing at a loud concert with over-ear headphones, which Reed prefers to earplugs, can have a big impact. Sign up to Well Actually Practical advice, expert insights and answers to your questions about how to live a good life after newsletter promotion 'A healthy lifestyle and healthy listening habits can go a long way,' says Reed. Reed also recommends that people start getting their hearing tested in their late 30s or 40s. Establishing a baseline can help you identify changes over time, and indicate if and when new habits might be useful. The longer you live with impaired hearing, the harder it is to adjust to tools like hearing aids. Several treatments and devices can help alleviate hearing loss, but their effectiveness depends on the individual. If you suspect you have hearing issues, it's best to have your hearing checked and discuss options with your healthcare provider. Hearing aids can be purchased over-the-counter or with a prescription. Reed says learning how to wear them takes time and practice. There's a critical public health need to expand coverage for these tools, says Smith, because it's well-established that hearing aids can improve quality of life. While studies haven't proven that hearing aids will delay dementia, scientists are intrigued by their potential to support brain health. 'The idea is that, in theory, if a person uses hearing aids, communication becomes easier and you lower the burden of cognitive load,' says Reed. 'You're stimulating the brain with more auditory signals.' Staying engaged in social networks is key to maintaining mental and physical wellbeing, says Reed. In a 2025 study, Reed and colleagues found that, among people with hearing loss, participants who received hearing aids and were counseled on their use experienced less loneliness and social isolation. They also had more varied types of connections, such as friends, family and acquaintances. Similarly, assistive technologies may help. These range widely in function and design, but generally amplify sound, reduce background noise, and improve communication. For example, apps that convert speech to text can assist with phone calls, and personal amplifiers can enhance hearing in conversations. People with mild to moderate hearing loss may find some relief in settings like crowded restaurants through items like the Apple AirPods Pro 2, which feature a built-in hearing aid, says Reed. In some instances, what can help a person manage hearing loss best is how they are supported by their community. There's a need for more equitable environments that support people with sensory health needs, says Smith. 'Some communication tips can go really far,' says Reed. 'Good communication is looking someone in the face. It's speaking slowly. It's about rephrasing and adding context.'
Vox
14-05-2025
- Vox
This life-changing piece of health tech is getting cheaper — and more advanced
is a senior technology correspondent at Vox and author of the User Friendly newsletter. He's spent 15 years covering the intersection of technology, culture, and politics at places like The Atlantic, Gizmodo, and Vice. You can imagine a future where you wear earbuds that are the interface for your voice assistant as well as your lifeline on a loud plane. Vox/Getty Images Hearing aids, like canes or orthopedic shoes, are something you don't think about a lot when you're young. But maybe you should. You probably either know someone who needs hearing aids, or you'll need them some day yourself. About 30 million people in the United States, aged 12 and older, have hearing loss in both ears, and about two-thirds of people end up with hearing loss, which can range from mild to severe, by their 70s. But talking to your parents or grandparents about getting hearing aids can be tough — I've done it. They might not like the idea of sticking things in their ear canals or confronting the difficult realities of aging and health. They surely shy away from the price tag of hearing aids, which can cost thousands of dollars and are not covered by insurance or Medicare. But plugging tiny and exorbitantly expensive speakers into your ears isn't the only way. Your mom might already own hearing aids without even knowing it. User Friendly A weekly dispatch to make sure tech is working for you, instead of overwhelming you. From senior technology correspondent Adam Clark Estes. Email (required) Sign Up By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Hearing aids have never been more accessible — or futuristic. In April, a company called Nuance started selling glasses that double as hearing aids thanks to microphones and beam-forming speakers built into the frame. Although at $1,200, they're not cheap, they cost far less than a pair of prescription hearing aids, which tend to range from $2,000 to $7,000. Hearing aids have never been more accessible — or futuristic. You can also buy something that's legally considered a personal sound amplification product (PSAP), which is not designed to treat hearing loss but does make things louder. Some of them can play music and handle phone calls too. In the age when earbuds are ubiquitous, these devices appeal to all ages. 'It's good that we're seeing people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s, talking about it, because it's totally changing the paradigm for them of engaging in hearing care earlier,' Nicholas Reed, a faculty member at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, told me. I'm a millennial, but I've also dealt with hearing loss my entire life. A bad stretch of childhood ear infections left me mostly deaf in one ear and pretty spotty in the other. I learned to read lips as a teenager and avoid conversations at loud parties in college. Some surgery in my 20s brought me closer to normal, but I could still use a little help. Related The surprising thing I learned from quitting Spotify I've spent the past few weeks trying out the Nuance glasses in various settings. They're remarkable, not only because they feel almost indistinguishable from my regular glasses but also because I forget they're hearing aids. Made by EssilorLuxottica, the company behind Ray-Ban and dozens of other glasses brands, the Nuance glasses employ some of the same technology that the Ray-Ban Meta glasses use to play music and help you talk to AI. And while the Nuance glasses don't currently offer the option to stream audio, they do help you hear what your friend is saying in a loud bar. The AirPods Pro 2, which retail for $250, work equally as well. After Apple announced last fall that a software update would unlock an accessibility setting — it's appropriately called Hearing Aid — I started using it all the time, toggling between listening to podcasts to ordering cold brew in a crowded coffee shop. In instances where I may have needed to ask people to repeat themselves in the past, I hear them fine the first time. I just have to wear AirPods all the time, which makes the glasses solution even more appealing. For most people, hearing loss typically starts in your 50s and gains momentum in your early retirement years. If you've ever been to a busy restaurant with your parents or grandparents, you know this can be alienating for the person left out and frustrating for the hearing person, too. The social isolation can lead to loneliness and anxiety, which can hasten cognitive decline and lower life expectancy. Nevertheless, neither traditional clinical hearing aids or the newer category of devices are easy fixes. Once you start wearing any sort of hearing aid, it takes time to adjust, and you might need help tweaking the sound as you get used to it. That's one reason why so many people avoid it — only one in five who need hearing aids actually have them. You can't put them in your ears and immediately have perfect hearing. Your brain adjusts over time, and so it may take weeks or months to adapt to the new frequencies hearing aids help you hear. Related How technology has inspired neuroscientists to reimagine the brain Still, it's a worthwhile project. 'Sensory input is so key to our existence, but we just sort of overlooked it for so long,' Reed said. 'It's something that's vital to your existence and how you connect with other people.' It's not clear how the latest hearing aid innovation will move the needle on adoption. Even though over-the-counter hearing aids have been available since 2022, when the FDA implemented new regulations for the devices, it's still an uphill battle to get people to wear them. 'Sensory input is so key to our existence, but we just sort of overlooked it for so long.' — Nicholas Reed, faculty member at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine 'We are not seeing large increases in hearing aid uptake since over-the-counter hearing aids have become available,' said Tricia Ashby, senior director of audiology practices at the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). 'And I have to say that mimics other countries who had over-the-counter hearing aids before the US did.' Given the fact that the older people who need them most are potentially less likely to try the latest technology, it might still take a few years for over-the-counter hearing aids to go mainstream. Given the precedent set by companies like Apple and Nuance, though, it's possible that more devices will add hearing assistive features to existing products. You can imagine a future where you wear earbuds that are the interface for your voice assistant as well as your lifeline on a loud plane. You might have glasses that project walking directions onto your field of view and help you hear which direction traffic's coming from when you have to cross the street. These kinds of features together only get more important as you get older and need a little more help. 'We are in an age now where you're thinking about optimizing aging, and how do you do it?' Reed said. 'And it's things like this.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Common aging symptom could worsen loneliness in seniors
Addressing hearing loss in the elderly could help alleviate the growing loneliness epidemic among senior citizens, according to a report from SWNS. A new study led by researchers at NYU Langone Health found that providing hearing aids and guidance on their use may help preserve vital social connections that often diminish with age, which could reduce feelings of isolation. Music Conductor With Parkinson's Sees Symptoms Improve With Deep Brain Stimulation The study, one of the largest of its kind, gathered data on older adults with untreated hearing loss from four states: Maryland, North Carolina, Minnesota and Mississippi. The researchers tracked two groups: one received hearing aids, counseling and personalized audiology support, while the other was provided with education on healthy aging, SWNS reported. To measure social isolation, the researchers evaluated the frequency of social interactions, the size and diversity of participants' networks, and the depth of their relationships. Read On The Fox News App Alzheimer's Rates Have Reached Staggering Number As Experts Call For Change Before the intervention, both groups reported similar levels of loneliness. Three years later, participants who received hearing care saw their loneliness scores improve slightly, while those who did not receive treatment reported worsening feelings of isolation, per SWNS. Those treated for hearing loss retained one additional social connection on average over a three-year period compared with those who received no hearing therapies and were instead educated about healthy aging. Click Here To Sign Up For Our Health Newsletter Participants given hearing aids were also found to have more diverse relationships with many different types of connections, such as family members, friends and acquaintances, as SWNS reported. They also maintained deeper, higher-quality bonds than those who were not treated for hearing loss. "Our findings add to evidence that helping aging patients hear better can also enrich their social lives and boost their mental and physical well-being," said Professor Nicholas Reed, the study's lead author from the NYU Grossman School of Medicine's Optimal Aging Institute, as reported by SWNS. Loneliness and hearing loss have both been linked to serious health concerns, including depression, heart disease and premature death, the expert noted. A previous 2023 report showed that hearing interventions may also slow cognitive decline among those at highest risk for dementia. Co-principal investigator Professor Josef Coresh added, "Making sure people can continue engaging with their family and friends as they age is a critical part of maintaining their quality of life." For more Health articles, visit The researchers plan to continue following the study participants for another three years, and will also aim to diversify the study group, they noted. "These results support efforts to incorporate hearing aid coverage into Medicare as a means of addressing the nation's social isolation epidemic, which is especially dangerous for the elderly," said Coresh, according to the article source: Common aging symptom could worsen loneliness in seniors
