Research links untreated hearing loss to cognitive decline, including dementia. Recognizing this connection is key to protecting your brain health.

The Hearing-Brain Connection

Hearing is a brain activity. With hearing loss, your brain works harder to decode sounds from incomplete information. Studies show that those with untreated hearing loss decline cognitively faster than those with normal hearing or hearing aids.

The Numbers Are Striking

Research paints a clear picture of the hearing-cognition connection:

A Johns Hopkins study found hearing loss in nearly 80% of people with Alzheimer’s and dementia, rising to 94% in those over 85.

Additional research from Johns Hopkins University and the National Institute on Aging found that:

• Mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia.
• Moderate hearing loss triples the risk.
• Severe hearing loss increases the risk fivefold.

Perhaps most concerning: despite these compelling connections, only about 22% of those with hearing loss use hearing aids – pointing to a significant gap in care that may be contributing to preventable cognitive decline.

Why Does Hearing Loss Affect the Brain?

• Cognitive Load: Straining to decode sounds leaves fewer resources for memory and thinking, speeding cognitive aging.
• Brain Structure Changes: Hearing loss causes shrinkage in areas that process sound and speech, with faster atrophy in memory regions.
• Social Isolation: Difficulty hearing leads people to withdraw from social activities, which is itself a major risk factor for cognitive decline.
• Reduced Stimulation: Hearing loss means the auditory cortex receives less input, leading to cognitive decline.

Early Intervention Is Critical

Untreated hearing loss speeds brain deterioration and raises dementia risk. Early action preserves cognition. Hearing aid users show better memory, focus, and social engagement.

For older adults, early hearing checks are essential. With 94% of those over 85 with dementia also losing hearing, there is a risk to brain health.

If you’re over 60, get a baseline hearing test – it’s as important as blood pressure or cholesterol. Don’t join the 78% untreated. Modern hearing solutions are advanced and discreet.

Protect Your Brain Today

With 80% of Alzheimer’s patients having hearing loss but only 22% using aids, many miss a critical chance. Addressing hearing loss early protects cognition and may lower dementia risk.

For older adults, early hearing evaluations are essential preventive care for brain health.

Take control of your brain health. Contact ENTOne now to schedule your comprehensive hearing evaluation. Early detection and intervention can make a critical difference. Act today to safeguard your cognitive future.

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 from implementing the advice or suggestions that appear here.

Spring allergens drive a predictable surge in nasal congestion, sinus pressure, ear fullness, and throat irritation. At ENTOne, March marks the beginning of one of our busiest clinical seasons. Because these symptoms closely mimic a prolonged cold, many patients delay care – often until a more significant infection has taken hold. Knowing when to manage symptoms at home and when to seek evaluation makes a meaningful clinical difference.

Recognizing the Signs

Tree and grass pollen trigger nasal mucosal inflammation that can affect the sinuses, ears, and throat simultaneously. Key indicators include:

• Nasal congestion or rhinorrhea beyond 10 -14 days
• Sneezing, nasal or ocular pruritus, and postnasal drip
• Facial pressure or pain in the cheeks, periorbital region, or forehead
• Aural fullness, autophony, or fluctuating hearing
• Pharyngitis, chronic throat clearing, or nocturnal cough

Symptoms that persist beyond two weeks, recur frequently, or impair sleep or daily function warrant a specialist evaluation rather than continued symptomatic management.

Daily Practices That Help

Saline nasal irrigation. Once or twice daily rinses mechanically clear pollen, particulates, and mucus. Use distilled, boiled and cooled, or sterile-filtered water.

Hydration. Six to eight glasses of water daily support mucociliary clearance and make mucus easier to clear.

Humidification. A cool-mist humidifier relieves mucosal dryness – keep the unit clean and maintain indoor humidity below 50% to prevent mold growth.

Allergen reduction at home. Close windows on high-pollen days; shower and change clothes after time outdoors; launder bedding weekly in hot water (≥130°F).

When to Call the Office

Contact ENTOne if patients experience:

• Sinus pain or pressure lasting more than a few days without improvement
• Thick, discolored nasal discharge that doesn’t resolve
• Recurrent acute sinusitis
• Hoarseness, voice changes, or pharyngeal pain for three or more weeks
• Persistent aural fullness, hearing changes, or dizziness

A thorough ENT evaluation rules out chronic rhinosinusitis, nasal polyposis, septal deviation, and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) – all of which can present similarly to seasonal allergies and all of which benefit from early, targeted treatment.

March Wellness Challenge

Consider building these three habits for one week:

1. Saline nasal rinse: once daily for 7 days.
2. Hydration – one full glass of water with each meal.
3. Active recovery – a 10-minute outdoor walk on low-pollen days, followed by a clothing change and nasal rinse.

Small, consistent habits this month support healthier sinuses through the entire spring season.

How Sinus/Allergy Issues Impact Sleep Quality

“That’s right. Sinus/allergy issues can impact the quality of your sleep,” says ENTOne team member Savannah Shannon, PA-C, MMSc, Physician Assistant.

“I seek to keep each patient’s individual goals and overall health at the center of our conversation. I want my patients to continue pursuing the things they enjoy and maintaining the quality of their sleep, while simultaneously prioritizing their health through a proactive, rather than reactive, approach whenever possible.”

“For example, if we can optimize the nose and sinuses with a maintenance regimen, such as nasal irrigation and various nasal sprays, then I may be able to prevent the severity or even the occurrence of sinus/allergy symptoms, while minimizing the impact on a patient’s sleep.”

If you experience persistent or worsening ENT symptoms this spring? Contact ENTOne to schedule an evaluation.

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 from implementing the advice or suggestions that appear here.

What Is Sleep Apnea?

The Sleep Apnea-Heart Health Connection

Warning Signs

Taking the Next Step

Stuffy nose, headache, and fatigue – understanding these signs helps you feel more confident in recognizing whether it’s a cold, flu, or sinus infection, guiding you toward proper treatment faster.

The Common Cold

Colds develop gradually and typically affect your upper respiratory system. Symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, a mild sore throat, a cough, and slight body aches. Fever is rare or low-grade. Symptoms usually peak within 3-5 days and resolve within 7-10 days.

The Flu

The flu hits hard and fast, affecting your entire body. Recognizing these symptoms early – like high fever and severe aches – can help you seek prompt treatment. If you feel like you’ve been “hit by a truck,” it’s likely the flu.

Sinus Infection

A sinus infection occurs when the nasal passages become inflamed, and the sinuses fill with fluid. If you notice thick nasal discharge, facial pain, or symptoms lasting more than 10 days, it’s essential to seek medical advice to stay in control of your health.

Quick Comparison Chart

When to See an ENT Specialist

See an ENT specialist if you experience symptoms lasting more than 10 days, severe facial pain, a high fever, vision changes, worsening symptoms after improvement, or recurring sinus infections.

Treatment Approaches

Colds: Rest, hydration, over-the-counter decongestants, saline nasal rinses

Flu: Antiviral medications (within 48 hours), rest, fluids, fever reducers, annual flu vaccine

Sinus Infections: Saline irrigation, decongestants, antibiotics (if bacterial), nasal sprays, advanced treatments for chronic cases

Prevention Tips

Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, get adequate sleep, stay hydrated, get your annual flu vaccine, use a humidifier, and treat allergies promptly.

The Bottom Line

Colds, flu, and sinus infections require different treatments. Pay attention to symptom patterns, timing, and severity. If symptoms are severe or persistent, contact ENTOne to schedule an appointment with our experienced ENT physicians.

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.

November is National Family Caregivers Month, and we want to give a huge shoutout to all the family members caring for aging loved ones. We know it’s not easy, especially when you’re navigating challenges like hearing loss or swallowing difficulties. At ENTOne, we see you, we appreciate you, and we’re here to help.

When Grandma Keeps Saying “What?”

If your loved one is constantly asking you to repeat yourself or cranking up the TV volume to levels that shake the walls, they might be dealing with hearing loss. It’s super common—about one in three seniors experience it—but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating for everyone involved.

Here are some simple ways to make communication easier:

• Keep your face visible when you talk so they can pick up on visual cues
• Turn off background noise, like the TV, before having essential conversations
• Speak clearly (but don’t shout—that actually makes it harder to understand)
• And most importantly, be patient. Your loved one is probably just as frustrated as you are.

If hearing aids have been prescribed, help make sure they’re actually being worn and working correctly. Modern hearing aids can be life-changing, and the ENTOne audiologists are happy to help troubleshoot any issues.

Mealtime Worries? Let’s Talk About Swallowing

Swallowing difficulties can be scary. If you notice your loved one coughing during meals, avoiding certain foods, or losing weight, it’s time to pay attention. These issues can lead to serious problems like pneumonia or choking, but there’s a lot we can do to keep mealtimes safe.

Quick safety tips:

• Make sure they’re sitting up straight during meals and stay seated for at least 30 minutes after eating
• Serve smaller portions more frequently rather than three big meals
• Give them plenty of time to eat without rushing
• And turn off distractions so they can focus on chewing and swallowing

Depending on the severity, you might need to adjust food textures (softer foods or even pureed) or thicken liquids. We can connect you with specialists who’ll create a safe eating plan tailored to your loved one’s needs.

Important: If you notice frequent coughing during meals, unexplained weight loss, or recurring respiratory infections, give us a call. And of course, if there’s an emergency involving choking, call 911 immediately.

You Matter Too

Here’s something caregivers don’t hear enough: you need to take care of yourself. It’s not selfish—it’s essential. Accept help when it’s offered. Connect with other caregivers who get it. Keep up with your own doctor appointments. Take time for exercise or your hobbies. And please, celebrate the small wins along the way.

We’re On Your Team

At ENTOne, we believe in treating the whole family, not just the patient. We’ll take the time to answer your questions, show you helpful techniques, and make sure you feel confident in your caregiving role.

This National Family Caregivers Month, we want you to know how much we appreciate everything you do. If your loved one is struggling with hearing loss or swallowing difficulties, let’s work together to make things easier and safer for everyone.

Give us a call—we’re here to help.

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.

As the year winds down, there’s an important reminder for anyone with health insurance: your annual deductible resets on January 1st. If you’ve already met your deductible this year, now is the time to take care of any ear, nose, or throat issues you’ve been putting off.

Why Schedule Now?

If you’ve met your deductible, you’ve already paid your out-of-pocket amount for the year. Additional covered services before December 31st may only cost you a copay – much less than starting fresh in January.

Common Signs It’s Time to See an ENTOne Specialist

Don’t ignore these symptoms:

• Chronic sinus infections, facial pressure, or congestion
• Ear pain or hearing loss
• Snoring or sleep issues
• Recurring sore throats
• Dizziness or balance problems
• Bothersome allergies

What ENTOne Can Help With

We provide comprehensive care, including:

• Hearing tests and hearing aids
• Allergy testing and treatment
• Sinus evaluations 
• Sleep apnea evaluation
• Throat and voice concerns

Take Action

Appointments fill up quickly at the end of the year. Contact ENTOne today to schedule your visit and maximize your health benefits before they reset.

Please call our office or visit our website to schedule your 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.