The post Don’t Waste Your Health Benefits: Schedule Your ENTOne Visit Before Year’s End appeared first on ENTOne.

The Hearing Loss-Cognitive Decline Cycle

Untreated hearing loss triggers a harmful progression: reduced auditory input, communication difficulties, social withdrawal, isolation, and loneliness, and accelerated cognitive decline. This cycle threatens not just hearing, but overall cognitive vitality in older adults.

Why the Brain Can Recover

The brain remains plastic throughout life. Key regions controlling executive function and memory can be strengthened with proper intervention, allowing the brain to “snap back” when given targeted support for challenging listening environments.

The Holistic Approach

Optimal outcomes require more than amplification. Holistic hearing care combines medical intervention with social prescribing – connecting clients to community activities and support that address social, emotional, and unmet needs beyond hearing loss.

Clinical Framework

The guideline offers client-centered management goals for people with hearing loss and multiple conditions who may be at risk for cognitive decline:

1. Recognize clients showing cognitive challenges
2. Optimize audibility and processing through evidence-based strategies
3. Promote overall auditory wellness with comprehensive support

Practical case studies demonstrate real-world application of these goals.

Excellence in Hearing Care: Our Commitment to Your Health

Quality hearing care requires ongoing professional expertise and support. The ENTOne team of Doctors of Audiology provides comprehensive care that supports not just your hearing, but your overall cognitive health and well-being.

Next Steps

The team at ENTOne is available to answer any questions you may have about the health of your ears, nose, and throat. Contact ENTOne to schedule an appointment. 

Disclaimer: This is general information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. All advice and suggestions offered via the website or newsletters should be discussed with a physician before implementation. Always consult a physician for specific guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. SurgOne, PC, and ENTOne PC are not liable for any adverse reactions that may occur by implementing advice or suggestions that appear here.

Important Service Information

For patients with third-party hearing aid providers (United Healthcare Hearing, TruHearing, Hearing Care Solutions, Nations Hearing, Start Hearing, or Amplifon):

After your initial 1-year fitting and follow-up period, our professional services include:

• In-office visits for cleaning and adjustments: $50 appointment fee (due at time of service)
• Drop-off service for hearing aid repair: $30 fee (due at pickup)

These fees reflect the specialized time and expertise our Doctors of Audiology provide. Please note that these services are not billable through insurance.

We appreciate your understanding and continued trust in our care. Our commitment remains focused on helping you maintain optimal hearing health as a foundation for your overall cognitive wellness and quality of life.

The post How Audiologic Rehabilitation Protects Cognitive Health appeared first on ENTOne.

Resilient individuals, for instance, might experience the stress of a demanding job or the loss of a loved one. Still, they can adapt and maintain a positive outlook in the face of such changes and adversities.

Qualities of Resilience

• Healthy coping and problem-solving skills
• Adaptability, flexibility with change, ability to compromise
• Learning and accepting who you are, identity doesn’t depend on externals
• High self-esteem, self-respect
• Motivation/personal meaning
• Sense of values and purpose, that life is worth living
• Optimism
• Sense of hope – ability to believe there is a solution in adversity
• Sense of enjoyment of life
• Strong relationships and support from family and friends
• Good social skills
• Able to ask for help

To Build Resilience

• One of the most empowering ways to build resilience is by cultivating healthy physical habits. Nourishing your body with wholesome food, engaging in regular physical activity, and ensuring adequate sleep boost your physical health and fortify your mental resilience, empowering you to face life’s challenges head-on.
• Take time for yourself each day. Notice the good moments. Do something you enjoy.
• Look at problems from different angles. Think of challenging situations as growth opportunities. Learn from your mistakes. Try to see the positive side of things.
• Practice gratitude. Take time to note things to be thankful for each day.
• Explore your beliefs about the meaning and purpose of life. Consider how to guide your life according to the principles that matter to you.
• Remember, you’re not alone in your journey to build resilience. Social connections and community play a crucial role. Surround yourself with positive, healthy individuals who uplift and support you. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it. Together, we can overcome any challenge, and the support of others can make the journey to resilience a shared and uplifting experience.

Resilience and Your Health

Resilience has a strong positive relationship with health. It allows individuals to cope effectively with stressors and challenges, thereby protecting against adverse mental and physical health outcomes, including reduced risk of depression, anxiety, and chronic diseases. 

Studies have shown a link between resilience and improved physical health outcomes, including better immune function, lower blood pressure, and healthier lifestyle choices. 

Resilience also promotes overall well-being and the ability to bounce back from adversity; essentially, the more resilient someone is, the better equipped they are to manage life’s difficulties and maintain good health. 

The team at ENTOne is available to answer any questions you may have about your health and well-being. Contact ENTOne to schedule an appointment. 

Disclaimer: This is general information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. All advice and suggestions offered via the website or newsletters should be discussed with a physician before implementation. Always consult a physician for specific guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. SurgOne, PC, and ENTOne PC are not liable for any adverse reactions that may occur by implementing advice or suggestions that appear here.

The post Resiliance and Your Well-Being appeared first on ENTOne.

Colder temperatures, however, spread viruses, worsen symptoms, and affect the immune system’s response. Sinus issues, colds, and the flu are more pervasive during winter and are caused by viral infections rather than colder temperatures. Understanding how cold weather exacerbates symptoms can help you stay healthy this winter. 

Cold Weather’s Impact on Common ENT Issues 

While cold weather doesn’t directly produce illness, it amplifies some symptoms, making it easier for viruses to spread. Here are a few examples of how colder temperatures impact the most common ENT-related health issues: 

• Colds and Sinus Infections: The common cold and sinus issues are caused by viral infections. During winter, we are more likely to stay indoors and close to others, which results in less ventilation and allows viruses to spread. Dry air reduces the mucus membrane’s ability to prevent viruses from penetrating nasal airways.
• Sore Throat and Runny Nose: These common symptoms can result from various issues, including viral infections or allergies. Dry air exposure at home or in the workplace can irritate a sore throat and/or runny nose. 
• Ear Infections: Ear infections commonly result from bacterial or viral infections in the middle ear. Because ears are more exposed to cold temperatures, they are particularly vulnerable to cold weather. Cold weather impacts blood circulation in the ears, 

Healthy Habits for Fall and Winter Months from ENTOne

• Dress appropriately for the weather to prevent getting too cold or too hot and protect your immune system. Layering allows you to adjust to temperature changes.
• The dry Colorado climate, combined with high elevation, can cause dehydration. Drinking lots of water will help maintain hydration and minimize the risk of altitude sickness. 
• Keep coats, hats, gloves, and water in the car to prepare for winter driving conditions. 
• Maintain indoor air quality during cold weather by changing furnace filters on schedule.
• Hand hygiene year-round is essential, as well as covering the mouth and nose when sneezing and coughing. 

Cold weather does not directly lead to infection. Still, it can worsen symptoms and spread infections more quickly, making us more vulnerable to experiencing these common ENT issues during winter. 

The team at ENTOne is available to answer any questions you may have about your ear, nose, and throat concerns in the winter months ahead.  

Disclaimer: This is general information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. All advice and suggestions offered via the website or newsletters should be discussed with a physician before implementation. Always consult a physician for specific guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. SurgOne, PC, and ENTOne PC are not liable for any adverse reactions that may occur by implementing advice or suggestions that appear here.

The post Is Cold Weather the Cause of ENT Issues? appeared first on ENTOne.

The post Your 2025 Healthy Resolutions appeared first on ENTOne.

The post Holiday Survival Guide appeared first on ENTOne.

However, the change in the weather can also mean new challenges and discomfort for your ears, nose and throat…that’s right, it’s cold season. The typical cold season runs from September to May.

The common cold is a mild nose and throat infection, most often caused by a virus. Common cold causes in the elderly include rhinovirus, coronavirus, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Most adults experience an average of 2 to 4 colds a year.

Are Colds Worse for Older Adults?

As we get older, our immune system can’t fend off infections as well as it did when we were younger. That’s why cold season, is a potentially challenging time of year for people 65 and older. Even a seemingly mild cold can pose a health threat to older adults as it can lead to pneumonia. Additionally, suppose you have a chronic condition such as asthma, COPD, or emphysema. In that case, a cold can intensify the symptoms from those conditions for several weeks after your cold symptoms have resolved.

How Can Older Adults Avoid Colds?

Colds are very contagious. They spread through droplets of virus-containing fluid, such as the ones you produce when you sneeze or cough. While colds largely spread through the transfer of these droplets by touch, they can also be inhaled.

Tips for Older Adults to Avoid Common Colds

The most important step in avoiding a cold is washing your hands frequently using soap and water, for at least 20 seconds. If you’re somewhere without access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer with a minimum of 60% alcohol.

Other essential cold-prevention tips include:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, since this is an easy way for germs to spread. Wash your hands thoroughly after blowing your nose
• Disinfect your environment regularly, paying close attention to countertops, doorknobs, light switches, and handles of appliances (e.g. fridge)
• Ensure you’re getting enough protein in your diet, as a lack of protein can hinder your immune system. Great protein sources include eggs, lean meats, legumes and dairy products
• Make an effort to stay hydrated every day, being well-hydrated helps us fight off germs and viruses. Getting a cold is not 100% preventable. But by taking some basic precautions, you can increase your chances of staying healthy and happy throughout the cold season.

Disclaimer: This is general information and not a substitute for professional medical advice. All advice and suggestions offered via the website or newsletters should be discussed with a physician before implementation. Always consult a physician for specific guidance, especially if you have pre-existing conditions. SurgOne, PC and ENTOne PC are not liable for any adverse reactions that may occur by implementing advice or suggestions that appear here.

The post Common Colds and Older Adults appeared first on ENTOne.