For Physicians

The latest research on hearing loss

A study of older adults with hearing loss found that hearing aid users had significantly lower odds of falling compared to non-users, with consistent users showing the strongest reduction in fall risk, suggesting that regular hearing aid use may help prevent falls in this population.
A study of over 50,000 hospital inpatients found that those with hearing loss had a higher risk of falls, especially if they didn't use hearing aids, even after accounting for other fall risk factors.
A study of adults aged 40-69 found that for every 10-decibel increase in hearing loss, the odds of falling increased by 40%, independent of other factors.
Individuals with a mild hearing impairment of 25 decibels have a three-fold increased likelihood of falling compared to their counterparts without hearing loss. Moreover, the risk of falls escalates by 1.4 times for every additional 10 decibels of hearing impairment.
Hearing loss is independently linked to the onset of dementia. It remains to be determined if hearing loss serves as an early-stage dementia indicator or if it is a modifiable risk factor for dementia, necessitating further research.
Research indicates that individuals with high blood pressure face a higher likelihood of experiencing hearing loss and/or tinnitus. Blood pressure medications may aid in mitigating the effects of hearing impairment.
When considering health conditions and other variables, hearing loss was found to be significantly linked to depression, especially in women. The article cautions physicians to be vigilant about the risk of depression in adults experiencing hearing impairment.
Approximately 50 million Americans suffer from tinnitus, or ear ringing, with around 90 percent of these individuals also experiencing hearing loss. Tinnitus may serve as an indicator for sensorineural hearing impairment.
Individuals with diabetes have a two-fold increased risk of experiencing hearing loss, which may be attributed to elevated glucose levels harming the blood vessels within the inner ear. People with pre-diabetes also face a heightened risk.

When should you refer to an audiologist?

What about insurance and Medicare?

While we are regularly evaluating insurance plans, it is often more expensive for your patients to receive audiologic care in network than out of network. The Audiology METHOD subscribes to the "itemized or unbundled" hearing healthcare model. Itemizing allows your patients to see the actual cost of their audiologic services separate from any devices they may need, gives them more choice, and lowers the entry price to improving their communication since they are only paying for what they need.

We are happy to bill your patient’s insurance company out of network for them. Please email [email protected] if you have further questions regarding our insurance policy.

How do you refer?

CMS requires a signed medical order from a physician for each patient reading “Evaluate and Treat”

How often should your patient’s hearing be screened?

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) recommends adults be screened at least once every decade through age 50 and at 3-year intervals thereafter.

Did you know we offer on-site staff trainings customized to your facility? Topics can include:
  • Training on how to implement a hearing screening program
  • Training on hearing aid handling
  • Training on wax removal
  • Training on falls preventions
  • Training on how you and your staff can more effectively and safely communicate with your patients who have hearing difficulties
Consequences of untreated hearing loss:
  • Increased falls risks
  • Impaired memory
  • reduced job performance and earning potential
  • Depression
  • withdrawal from social situations
  • loneliness
  • Irritability, anger, fatigue, tension, and stress
  • social rejection
  • reduced alertness
  • increased risk to personal safety
  • impaired ability to learn new tasks
  • diminished psychological and overall health

Get in touch

Our friendly team would love to hear from you.

Phone Number

(720) 457-1763

Opening Hours

Monday - Thursday: 8:00am-5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am-2:30pm