“Most experts agree that the most effective way to maintain cognitive function is by maintaining a healthy social network,” says Dr. Leslie. “We know that people with untreated hearing loss often drop out because it is simply too difficult for them to engage effectively in the give-and-take process of social interactions.”

For people with hearing loss, the brain works overtime to translate signals and understand speech, especially in noisy environments such as restaurants, business meetings and social gatherings. It takes more time and more energy to reflect on the meaning of sounds, to remember the flow of a conversation and to respond before the conversation has moved on. Over time, it simply becomes easier to sit back in social and business situations – leading some to gradually isolate themselves from the “stress” of social interaction.

A hearing exam can quickly and painlessly pinpoint a hearing loss. Dr. Ybarra notes that with today's wealth of sleek and stylish advanced technology solutions that can address all degrees of hearing loss, there is no excuse for untreated hearing loss. Hearing Associates is among the first hearing care professionals in the U.S. to offer the new Oticon Agil -- a hearing instrument specifically designed to enable people with hearing loss to minimize the cognitive energy expended in typical listening environments without compromising sound quality and speech understanding. With Agil, speech understanding becomes more immediate so that more cognitive energy is readily available to engage in day-to-day interactions.

“Staying connected to modern life through today’s high-tech communication and entertainment devices is another way that hearing impaired people maintain an active, vital lifestyle,” says Dr. Ybarra. “Agil connects wirelessly and seamlessly to mobile phones, MP3 music players and a variety of other communication and entertainment devices.”

The Oticon Agil family of hearing solutions can accommodate approximately 80 percent of hearing losses. Patients can choose from a variety of discreet and comfortable models with the most comprehensive styles and fitting ranges, including a small behind-the-ear device that is almost invisible on the ear or custom molds that fit inside the ear.

For more information on hearing loss, hearing exams and the latest hearing solutions, contact our Oregon audiology offices at 541-686-3505 in Eugene or 541-997-7617 in Florence.