Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline

In this episode, otolaryngologist Dr. Jed Grisel joins neurotologist Dr. Walter Kutz to discuss the link between hearing and cognition, counseling families about treatment outcomes, and practice building opportunities for ENT/audiology clinics.

Dr. Grisel describes changing trends in the hearing care market, such as direct-to-consumer marketing and over the counter hearing aids, which can alter patients’ relationships with ENTs. He emphasizes that these low cost options make hearing care more accessible to patients. They also provide otolaryngologists with the stimulus to branch out into new service lines and position themselves as comprehensive hearing experts. His clinic has recently added cognitive screening to their diagnostic workup. Dr. Grisel highlights the advantages of cognitive screening, which include a better understanding of the patient experience, more effective management of patient and family expectations, and relationship building with primary care providers.

The doctors also talk about the implementation process of cognitive testing in ENT/audiology clinics. Dr. Grisel shares his practice’s experience with cognitive screening kiosks that minimize the requirements for patient dexterity.

As healthcare advances, more and more people are living longer and reaching ages of hearing loss onset. The doctors discuss what it means to have more years of sensory deprivation and how ENTs can offer interventions to reduce the patient’s cognitive load and improve overall cognitive function.