What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 3pm

BergerHenry ENT Specialty Group, 60 West Germantown Pike, Norristown, PA (2025)

07/18/2025

How Do Allergy Shots Work?

If you’re an allergy sufferer, you probably know there are a number of ways you can manage your allergies. One is to just put up with it and make sure you carry a big box of Kleenex wherever you go. Another approach is with natural remedies. Some people may find that antihistamine tablets, eye drops, or steroid nasal sprays are the way to go.

Or, you can play the long game with allergy shots.

What are allergy shots?
Also known as allergy immunotherapy, allergy shots are a long-term treatment approach to minimizing your reaction to allergens. And by long-term, we mean these shots can be effective for over 5 years. They can be effective at alleviating the symptoms of many different types of allergies as well as preventing the development of new allergies, particularly in children.

An allergy shot can be useful for different types of allergic diseases, including:
• Asthma
• Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Eczema

Common allergens that trigger many of these reactions include:
• Grasses and pollens
• Molds
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Insect venom
• Cockroaches

Allergy shots are not suitable for treating food or drug allergies.

How do allergy shots work?
An allergic reaction is a hyped-up response from your body’s immune system when it encounters a harmless substance, known as the allergen. This immune response results in all those symptoms, from a runny and congested nose, to itchy eyes, itchy skin, swelling, and constricted airways.

The goal of allergy shots is to coach the body to not overreact when it comes into contact with an allergen. This is done by introducing the allergen(s) in small, friendly but increasing doses via an injection. The idea is that over time, your body will build a tolerance to the allergen(s).

Prior to starting the therapy, your Berger Henry allergy doctor needs to determine what you’re allergic to. This typically involves a skin test or a blood test.

There are two phases to allergy shots:

The build-up phase
This is the first stage, which occurs over 3 to 6 months. During the build-up phase, you receive an allergy shot between 1 to 3 times a week, with the dose of the allergen increasing a tiny bit each time.

The maintenance phase
Once the effective dose of allergen in your shots has been achieved, you enter the maintenance phase. Your allergy doctor determines the best maintenance dose for you based on how sensitive you are to the allergen and how you progressed during the build-up phase. The maintenance phase involves a shot every 2 to 4 weeks for 3 to 5 years (told you this was the long game). While many people find their allergy symptoms improving slightly during the build-up phase, it can take up to a year into the maintenance phase to notice significant relief from your allergies.

Do allergy shots really work?
For many people, yes. Allergy shots can provide long-lasting relief from their allergy symptoms even once the maintenance phase has finished. However, others may find their symptoms return once they’ve stopped receiving the shots.

If your allergy shot therapy didn’t work as well as you had hoped, it may be due to a number of factors, including:

• Being exposed to particularly high levels of the allergen in your environment

• The allergy shot dose not being increased sufficiently to challenge your immune system

• You are allergic to allergens not included in the shots

Allergy shots are not for everyone. Children under 5 years old are not recommended to undergo this therapy, as are people with severe asthma, heart conditions, or those taking certain medications. Pregnant women are also advised against commencing allergy shots during pregnancy, but it may be okay to continue the treatment if it started before becoming pregnant.

05/25/2025

Natural Allergy Treatment vs. Medications

Medicine can do wonders for the human body and if you’re an allergy sufferer, you’re probably willing to try almost anything to relieve your symptoms. Some people swear by their home-concocted natural home remedies while others are happy to stick with drugstore antihistamines. So, are natural allergy treatments any better than medications?

The benefits of natural allergy remedies
Though there may not be quite as much research that has investigated the effectiveness of natural treatments for allergy compared to the abundance of scientific literature surrounding medical interventions, for many people with mild to moderate allergy, it’s just a matter of giving it a good go.

You may prefer a non-drug alternative to allergy treatment for the lower risk of side effects and gentler action. Among other known side effects, oral antihistamines have the potential to cause drowsiness (particularly older generation medications), dizziness, a dry mouth or nose, and headache. Overusing nasal decongestant sprays can result in a medication dependency, known as rhinitis medicamentosa.

The perception of a holistic approach to allergy management can be attractive to some. Instead of just suppressing the symptoms of allergy, many natural remedies aim to remove or minimize the underlying triggers.

Some natural remedies can also be more cost-effective and more easily accessible than drugstore treatments. In fact, some treatments can probably already be found in your kitchen, such as local raw honey, apple cider vinegar, garlic, turmeric, green or peppermint tea, and pineapple.

Are natural allergy treatments better than medications?
Natural remedies certainly have some advantages over medications for allergy treatment for the reasons discussed above. For some patients, taking these non-drug approaches can be enough to get you back to your congestion-, sniffle-, itchy-free self but for others, natural treatments may not be enough.

Most healthcare professionals involved in managing allergy will suggest a two-pronged approach to sorting out those pesky symptoms – anti-allergy medications supported by natural remedies. After all, if you can reduce your exposure to allergens simply by having a shower, why not?

Medical treatments for allergies can provide a more predictable response – these medications and their active ingredients have been studied and properly formulated to target allergic conditions, and the clinicians who prescribe them are experienced in their use. If your allergies are severe or persistent, it’s most likely you will benefit from taking allergy medications over natural home remedies alone.

Home remedies for allergy
Other non-drug allergy treatments to consider include:
* Acupuncture with an experienced acupuncturist
* Spicy foods to help clear congestion (if you’ve ever ended up with a runny nose after a burger slathered in hot sauce, you know what we mean!)
* Essential oils that can reduce inflammation, such as lemongrass, eucalyptus, peppermint, and frankincense
* Certain nutrients, such as quercetin (found in kale, broccoli, blueberries, chives, chili peppers, and others), and vitamin C (found in cabbage, oranges, strawberries, kiwi fruit, and others), which can help to reduce allergy symptoms
* Probiotics (whether supplements or probiotic-friendly foods like yogurt and sauerkraut) to support your gut microbiome and its role in immune health and allergy

If all of the above fail…
If even antihistamine medications aren’t relieving your allergy symptoms, don’t despair. You still have options with an appropriately qualified ENT doctor with allergy training who may suggest allergy immunotherapy or surgery for a deviated septum.

04/27/2025

How to Get the Most Out of Your Rechargeable Hearing Aids 🔋👂
Rechargeable hearing aids have transformed hearing technology. Today, about 80% of hearing aids purchased in the U.S. are rechargeable, and users love them for their convenience, eco-friendliness, and strong performance.

Modern rechargeable models deliver up to 30 hours of use on a single charge, reduce waste, and eliminate the need for tricky disposable batteries — a huge win for people with arthritis or dexterity issues.

To keep your rechargeable hearing aids working at their best, here’s what you need to know:
✅ Use the original charger. Stick to the manufacturer’s charger to avoid damaging the battery or device.
✅ Charge them overnight. Make charging part of your nightly routine so you wake up to a full day’s power.
✅ Don’t dock them in an unplugged charger. If the charger isn't powered, your hearing aids may turn on and slowly drain overnight.
✅ Clean them daily. Earwax buildup is one of the biggest causes of hearing aid problems. Wipe them gently with a dry cloth each night.
✅ Keep them dry. Always remove your hearing aids before showering, swimming, or visiting saunas. Moisture can damage internal parts.
✅ Avoid extreme temperatures. Heat over 90°F or cold below 50°F can weaken batteries and harm delicate electronics.

⭐ Pro Tip:
Rechargeable hearing aid batteries typically last up to 5 years. If your battery performance declines, your BergerHenry ENT audiologist can replace the battery without replacing the whole device.

Taking a few small steps each day can extend your hearing aids' lifespan, protect your investment, and keep your hearing sharp.

💬

04/05/2025

Did You Know Hearing Loss Can Affect Taste?
It may sound surprising, but research shows that our sense of hearing is closely connected to how we taste food.

This link is part of something called cross-modal perception—when different senses interact to shape our experience. Think about the crunch of an apple or the slurp of warm noodles. Without the sound, would those foods still taste the same?

A recent study comparing deaf individuals and people with full hearing found that: • People with hearing loss had higher taste thresholds—meaning they needed a stronger concentration to detect flavors.
• Hearing aid users were less sensitive to sweet flavors.
• Cochlear implant users were less sensitive to salty tastes.
• Participants with hearing loss were more likely to dislike bitter, salty, and sour tastes.

This can change the way someone with hearing loss experiences food—and may even reduce their interest in trying new dishes. Over time, that could lead to a limited diet or even malnutrition.

Why does this happen?
Some scientists believe the brain’s sensory processing centers are intertwined. Others suggest the sound of eating enhances flavor, or that hearing loss can lead to social isolation, making meals less enjoyable overall.

While hearing aids and cochlear implants may not directly improve taste sensitivity, they offer major benefits—like better communication, lower risk of cognitive decline, and a more connected, fulfilling life.

If you’re noticing changes in your enjoyment of food—or hearing—talk to an audiologist. The connection might be stronger than you think.

02/16/2025

When Should I Start Getting Regular Hearing Checks?

Given the complexity of the human body and all the things that can go wrong with it, there's a lot to keep track of when it comes to being proactive about looking after your health. One of these things that can go wrong is your hearing.

Around 14% of the US population has some degree of hearing loss. As may be expected, if you divide everyone into age groups, the prevalence of hearing loss only increases with age: 6% in those aged 18-44 years, 14% in those between 45-64 years, and 27% for older adults aged 65 years and above.

As hearing loss is associated with a number of daily challenges, including - but not limited to - hearing your favorite song on the radio, catching it early can go a long way to helping maintain your quality and enjoyment of life. Add to this the fact that untreated hearing loss is associated with other conditions including depression, dementia, and poor balance – writing down a hearing test on your list of things to do might be a good idea.

When should hearing be tested?

Newborns and babies
The first ever hearing screening test should happen within the first month after birth. In the US, hospitals and birthing centers typically offer this service, with most aiming to perform the test before the baby even goes home. This screening test helps to catch congenital hearing loss so the baby can then be referred onward to a pediatric audiologist for more thorough testing. Good hearing is integral for so many aspects of a child's development, including language and social skills. Further down the track, this translates to effects on education and vocation.

The onset of hearing loss can happen at any age so, if at any point you’re concerned about your child’s milestones relating to communication, talk to a pediatrician or organize another hearing test with an audiologist.

School-aged children
Although in the US we’re pretty good at newborn hearing screening tests, many school-aged children with hearing impairment go unnoticed. This may be because the hearing loss only developed later. Children are particularly prone to ear infections, which can lead to hearing loss if not properly treated. Similar to the importance of newborn hearing tests, catching any hearing loss sooner rather than later offers the best chance at normal development, learning, and social integration.

The World Health Organization recommends hearing checks in kindergarten, then in grades 1, 2, 3, 7, and 11. However, if your child has risk factors for hearing loss, such as a family history of it, or an ear condition like recurrent infections, impacted earwax, or underdeveloped ear structures, then you may need to organize more regular hearing checks.

Adults
We’ve already discussed some of the impacts of hearing loss (like not being able to enjoy your favorite song). Despite this, and the well-documented prevalence of hearing loss especially into older age, there is no clear consensus as to how often adults should have their hearing checked. The US Preventative Service Task Force found no evidence that regular tests for adults without hearing loss symptoms were beneficial, even for those over the age of 50. On the other hand, the American Geriatrics Society suggests annual hearing checks for all adults 65 years and older. And the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association supports a hearing test every decade until you get to 50 years, after which you should be checked every three years.

Though there is no firm agreement on how often you should have routine hearing screening checks, you should definitely get checked out if you:
* Are hearing a ringing, buzzing, or clicking in your ear, which may indicate tinnitus
* Find you need to turn up the volume on the TV or radio higher than before
* Are in an occupation that exposes you to excessive noise, like a construction site or lawn mowing
* Have a known family history of hearing impairment
* Enjoy hobbies or leisure activities involving loud noise exposure, such as concerts
* Have certain medical conditions that increase your risk of hearing loss, including diabetes, chronic ear infections, and cardiovascular disease
* Realize your hearing is not as clear as it should be

If in doubt, it is better to err on the side of caution. Talk to your family doctor about your risk of hearing loss. Talk to your friends and family about whether they suspect you have hearing loss due to the volume at which you watch Netflix or how often they need to repeat themselves in conversation. Talk to your audiologist if you think your hearing was not what it once was. Doing so could improve your quality of life in so many ways.

Schedule an Appointment
https://www.medentmobile.com/portal/index.php?practice_id=48SWUrQh&locid=0&main_section=online_schedule_start

01/23/2025

Are Allergies Hereditary?

Spoiler alert: yes. Plot twist: but it’s not that simple.

Allergies are the sixth most common chronic illness in the US, affecting over 24 million people. Though hay fever or peanuts may be the first thing that jumps to mind when you read allergy, the term allergy encompasses more than allergic rhinitis and food allergies, including other conditions such as eczema, asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, and anaphylaxis.

Like Father, Like Son?
Genetics is a funny thing, and a lot more complex than being born with blue eyes just because your parents had blue eyes.
When it comes to the inheritance patterns of allergy, it has been observed that children born to one parent with allergies have a 50% likelihood of also developing an allergic condition. If both parents are allergic, this risk of allergies increases to 75%. However, the coast is still not completely clear for kids where neither parent suffers from allergies – they still have a 20% risk of having some sort of allergic condition.

Interestingly, having allergies run in the family doesn’t always mean it manifests in the same way. You may be scratching and itching all over during hay fever season but your brother’s worst allergic nightmare is when you visit Aunt Jenny and her seven cats. Conversely, your sister has no problem with pollens or pet dander but eggs are her arch nemesis. And even more conversely, both your parents have allergies, you have allergies, your sister and one of your brothers have allergies, but your lucky youngest brother can frolic through the grass, pet all the cats, and scoff down all the eggs without batting an itchy eyelid.

All this indicates that the plot twist is indeed twisted. Inheriting the allergy gene is more about inheriting a susceptibility to allergy in general and less about specifically inheriting eczema triggered by stress.

Other Factors that Could Trigger Allergies
As evidenced by your grass-frolicking, cat-petting, egg-scoffing little brother, genes are not the whole story when it comes to the development of allergy. Allergic parents don’t mean their children will be allergic, just like non-allergic parents don’t mean their children won’t be allergic.

Research suggests that environmental and lifestyle factors can also contribute to causing allergies. In fact, there is likely some sort of interaction between an individual’s genetics and how their body responds to the environment they’re exposed to.

Environmental and lifestyle factors thought to contribute to allergic disease include:
• Pollution
• Changes in climate, including temperature and humidity
• Exposure to antibiotics and certain types of chemical
compounds during pregnancy and early stages of life
• Smoke exposure
• Attending daycare
• Diet
• Certain viral infections

Cue the Allergy Doctor
Fortunately, a whole specialized field of medicine exists to care for those afflicted by itching, watering, running, swelling, sneezing, coughing, congestion, and wheezing. An allergist is a medical doctor who has undergone further training in the diagnosis and management of allergic diseases.

Otolaryngologists (ear, nose, throat) specialists also often take a special interest in allergy, given that the ear, nose, and throat are commonly involved in these conditions. Though an otolaryngologist is not the same medical specialty as an allergist, they may choose to undertake advanced training to gain further knowledge and expertise in the management of allergic conditions, including:
• Conducting allergy testing
• Offering advice around lifestyle changes to manage allergies
• Prescribing oral anti-allergy medications
• Administering immunotherapy allergy shots

Depending on the nature and severity, allergies can have a significant impact on day-to-day functioning and quality of life. But thanks to allergy specialists, you don’t need to live with it if you don’t want to; there are many effective treatments available.

01/14/2025

How to Keep Your Hearing Aids in Shape

Hearing aids might be tiny but they’re certainly mighty. From Bluetooth connectivity to directional microphones and noise reduction features, there can be a lot of technology packed into those little things. However, to get the most out of them, there is some maintenance required. These hardworking troopers spend most of their time in land where few dare to venture – the inside of your ear canals. Moisture, warmth, and earwax don’t tend to mix well with electronics, but there are a few steps you can take to maximize the longevity of your hearing aids.

6 Steps for Hearing Aid Maintenance

1. Wash your hands before handling your hearing aids.

Ensure your hands are clean of oils, dirt, grime, or other substances before touching your hearing aids. You don’t want to get Bolognese sauce from your hands to your hearing aids to your ear.

2. Give your hearing aids a quick clean at the end of the day, every day.

You will be able to find step-by-step cleaning instructions from your hearing professional or the hearing aid manufacturer. These steps will differ depending on the model and type of your aid, such as whether your device is a behind-the-ear model or an in-the-ear model. Regular cleaning avoids earwax accumulating in the delicate parts of the hearing aid, which will impact its performance.

If you clean the aids at night before bed, they will have enough time to air out before you use them again the next day.

3. Keep your hearing aids dry.

Unless they’re waterproof, hearing aids don’t do well in environments such as showers, bathtubs, pools, spas, and the beach. It’s also a good idea to insert your hearing aids only after applying aerosols around your head, such as hairspray or perfumes, and after other lotions, creams, or gels that are applied near your ears.

4. Avoid leaving your hearing aids in extreme cold or heat.

Harsh weather conditions can damage your hearing aids. Avoid keeping them in your pocket while you traipse through the snow, or by the poolside on a 95 degree day. In these situations, it’s better to leave them indoors if you can (ideally in their protective case).

5. When not in use, keep your aids in their case.

Hearing aids are small and, face it, easily lost. If they’re not nestled in your ears, the best place for them is in their case or charging unit – somewhere that will hold and cherish them in a warm and secure embrace until they’re ready for your ears again.

6. Consider a hearing aid dehumidifier/dryer.

This is especially important if you live in a humid environment or are particularly prone to perspiration. Electronics don’t like moisture, so you may need a dehumidifier. This may be in the form of a container with a desiccant that absorbs moisture from the hearing aids, or a specialized unit that dries and sanitizes your aids using UV light and air.

The benefits of taking proper care of your hearing aids are significant. For one, they perform better – it’s hard to get good sound quality out of a hearing aid that’s plugged with earwax or dust. Hearing aids that are covered in grime may lead to irritation of the skin and potential ear infections. Particularly neglected hearing aids may fall into such disrepair that they require professional help, which can be costly. Regular cleaning and maintenance at home can help you to avoid these unnecessary costs for repairs.

The best idea is always to follow the care instructions for your hearing aids from your audiologist and the manufacturer.

11/26/2024

10 Signs You Might Need Hearing Aids

You’ve been told time and time again, the volume on that TV is just too loud. Well, at least you think you’ve been told time and time again. You couldn’t really hear what they were saying.

Hearing difficulties affect about 37.5 million adults in the US. And though hearing aids are really quite useful in many of these scenarios, a disappointingly low number of people with hearing loss are using them. In fact, statistics tell us that fewer than 1 in 3 adults aged 70 years and older who might benefit from hearing aids have ever used them. In the younger age group of 20- to 69-year-olds who could benefit from hearing aids, only 16% have ever used them.

There could be a number of reasons why these statistics are the case – the cost of hearing aids can be prohibitive for some, while others may be put off by the appearance and perceived stigma of wearing the device. Some may underestimate their own hearing impairment and have a lack of understanding or awareness of how hearing aids may be beneficial.

How Do I Know if I Need Hearing Aids?
If being unsure about whether you really need hearing aids or not is what’s holding you back, this list of 10 signs might help you out.

1. You find yourself increasing the volume on the TV and radio (and you suspect other people have been telling you to turn it down but you can’t quite catch what they’re saying).

2. You realize you often have to ask people to repeat themselves when talking to you.

3. You have difficulty following conversation when background noise is present.

4. You find it hard to hear a person talking unless they are facing you directly.

5. You find yourself avoiding social situations because it’s too difficult to hear what’s going on and to follow the conversations.

6. You can hear a phantom noise, such as ringing, buzzing, or clicking (spoiler alert: that’s tinnitus).

7. Sounds often seem muffled (everyone is mumbling, why does everyone mumble!).

8. You feel fatigued or stressed from the effort of concentrating on conversation.

9. Your eyes are beginning to focus on the person’s mouth when they speak (you’re starting to lip read).

10. Higher pitched sounds, such as children or women’s voices, are especially difficult to decipher.

It’s not unusual for someone with normal hearing to identify with a couple of items on this list. Maybe everyone around them does mumble. But if you’re nodding your head, however reluctantly, to more than just a few of these scenarios, now may be a good time to organize yourself a hearing test with an audiologist.

Hearing Tests
An audiologist is a healthcare professional with training in the diagnosis and management of hearing and balance disorders. A big part of their practice is fitting patients with hearing aids.

To assess whether hearing aids are suitable for you, they first need to identify your type of hearing loss. If your hearing is having a hard time because your ears are plugged up with wax, removing the wax would be the way to go, rather than investing in $6000 hearing aids.

In addition to a physical exam (looking for that earwax), the audiologist will most likely perform a test called audiometry. During audiometry, you’ll be tasked with responding to tones of varying pitch and volume presented through a pair of headphones. Your responses can then be graphed to represent which frequencies of sound are problematic and the severity of your hearing loss. These hearing assessments can tell your audiologist whether hearing aids will be effective for your type of hearing loss, and what sort of device might be the most suitable.

Taking the step into wearing a hearing aid may seem daunting but they really are quite useful little things. Untreated hearing loss is associated with social withdrawal, difficulties with tasks of daily living, depression, and cognitive decline, so anything that can help you avoid those may be well worth your while.

10/11/2024

Your Hearing Loss Could Be Putting You at Risk for Dementia

Hearing loss is a common issue that affects millions of people around the world, particularly as they age. However, hearing loss is more than just a challenge of communication; it can significantly impact overall health, well-being, and even cognitive function. Numerous studies have shown a strong link between hearing loss and dementia, emphasizing the importance of early detection and intervention.

When Does Hearing Loss Begin?

Hearing loss often creeps up gradually, making it difficult for many individuals to recognize the changes until they become more pronounced. Approximately 37.5 million Americans experience hearing loss (National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders) and it tends to rise sharply with age.

* Age 40-49: Around 13% of adults in this age group experience some level of hearing loss.

* Age 50-59: The percentage increases to 29%.

* Age 60-69: Around 45% of people begin to experience noticeable hearing difficulties.

* Age 70-79: Hearing loss affects 68% of adults.

* Age 80+: Hearing loss jumps to 90% of adults in this group.

While some people begin to experience hearing loss in their 40s or 50s, it’s far more common to see significant hearing impairments later in life. By age 75, about one in two individuals will have some degree of hearing loss, and this age-related decline is known as presbycusis (Consumer Affairs).

The Link Between Hearing Loss and Dementia

Recent studies have highlighted an alarming connection between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline, including dementia. One of the most well-known studies comes from Dr. Frank Lin at Johns Hopkins University, which found that mild hearing loss doubled the risk of dementia, moderate hearing loss tripled the risk, and severe hearing loss increased the risk by fivefold.

There are several theories as to why this connection exists:

Cognitive Load: Hearing loss forces the brain to work harder to process sounds, potentially diverting resources away from other cognitive functions such as memory and thinking.
Social Isolation: Hearing loss often leads to social withdrawal, as individuals may find it difficult or embarrassing to communicate with others. Loneliness and social isolation are well-known risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia.
Brain Structure Changes: Studies have shown that untreated hearing loss can result in changes to the brain’s structure. Specifically, the areas of the brain responsible for sound processing may shrink, which can contribute to cognitive decline over time.
In a 2020 report from The Lancet Commission on Dementia Prevention, Intervention, and Care, hearing loss was listed as one of the top modifiable risk factors for dementia. It accounted for 8% of the risk for developing dementia, which is a larger percentage than diabetes or high blood pressure.

Other Comorbidities Linked to Hearing Loss

In addition to dementia, hearing loss is associated with several other health conditions. These comorbidities not only affect the individual’s hearing but can also contribute to their overall health decline. Some of the common comorbidities include:

Depression: People with untreated hearing loss are significantly more likely to suffer from depression. The inability to communicate effectively can lead to feelings of isolation, frustration, and sadness.

Cardiovascular Disease: Hearing loss has been linked to cardiovascular problems, such as high blood pressure and stroke. Poor blood circulation can affect the delicate structures in the ear, leading to hearing impairment.

Diabetes: Research shows that individuals with diabetes are twice as likely to have hearing loss compared to those without diabetes. The high blood sugar levels in diabetics can damage the small blood vessels and nerves in the inner ear, leading to hearing problems.

Falls: Hearing loss has also been linked to an increased risk of falls. A study conducted by Johns Hopkins Medicine found that individuals with mild hearing loss are nearly three times more likely to have a history of falling. The researchers suggest that the brain may struggle to maintain balance and spatial awareness when it’s working harder to process sound.

Cognitive Impairment: Even if not progressing to full dementia, hearing loss can lead to mild cognitive impairment (MCI). MCI is often a precursor to dementia, and individuals with untreated hearing loss are more likely to develop this condition.

The Impact of Hearing Aids on Cognitive Health

The good news is that early intervention can help mitigate the risks associated with hearing loss. Studies suggest that hearing aids reduced the risk of dementia by almost 50% and improved cognitive function in older adults (Johns Hopkins).

Schedule a Hearing Test

Hearing loss is not just an inconvenience or a natural part of aging—it’s a serious health issue that can have profound effects on cognitive function and overall well-being. The link between hearing loss and dementia is well-established, but the good news is that early intervention, especially with the use of hearing aids, can help reduce the risk.

If you or a loved one is experiencing hearing difficulties, it’s important to schedule a hearing test with BergerHenry ENT hearing specialists as soon as possible. Addressing hearing loss early can help prevent cognitive decline and maintain a higher quality of life.

BergerHenry ENT Specialty Group

07/18/2025

05/25/2025

04/27/2025

04/05/2025

02/16/2025

01/23/2025

01/14/2025

11/26/2024

10/11/2024

Address

Opening Hours

Website

Alerts

Contact The Practice

Shortcuts

Share

Category

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 3pm