Knox Audiology & Hearing Care

02/16/2026

01/16/2026

🧠 Your ears may be one of the earliest windows into your brain’s future.

Even slight age-related hearing loss in midlife appears to signal a substantially higher risk of later dementia, as shown in a large Framingham Heart Study analysis of 2,178 adults followed for up to 15 years. Participants with at least mild hearing loss were 71% more likely to develop dementia than peers with normal hearing, and even those with “slight” loss showed more white matter damage on MRI and smaller overall brain volume, key structural markers linked to neurodegeneration.

Cognitive testing revealed a particular decline in executive functions such as planning and attention, rather than memory alone, suggesting that hearing loss may sap higher-order processing over time.

The risk was especially pronounced in people carrying the APOE4 gene variant, a genetic factor already known to raise Alzheimer’s susceptibility, where hearing loss more than amplified dementia vulnerability.

Crucially, individuals with hearing loss who used hearing aids showed a lower risk of developing dementia, hinting that restoring auditory input might lessen cognitive load, preserve social engagement, and slow downstream brain changes. Because many adults are unaware of mild impairment, the study underscores the need to integrate routine hearing assessments into midlife primary care as a practical, modifiable lever for brain health.

📄 RESEARCH PAPER

📌 Justin S. Golub et al., “Hearing Loss, Brain Structure, Cognition, and Dementia Risk in the Framingham Heart Study,” JAMA Network Open (2025)

11/09/2025

One in six adults 18 and older has hearing loss, according to the National Center of Health Science. Do you know the signs?

1) Frequently asking others to repeat themselves.
2) Others find your TV too loud.
3) Having difficulty hearing women and children.
4) It feels like others are mumbling.
5) Trouble hearing on the phone.
6) You avoid social situations that you used to enjoy.
7) Constant ringing or buzzing in your ears.
8) Others have told you that they think you have hearing loss.

Learn more about hearing loss and treatment options on our website: https://brnw.ch/21wXjTL.

08/31/2025

This just in from on set with Daymond John:

“In the world of business and innovation, every detail matters. That’s why when it comes to my hearing technology, I trust only Starkey. I feel like my Starkey hearing aids give me superpowers!”

08/16/2025

⚠️ Recent research reveals that hearing loss, along with associated factors like social isolation and mental distress, may be linked to a higher risk of heart failure. Learn more about the study in our blog: https://brnw.ch/21wUY4T.

06/17/2025

Widex hearing aids can be a great option for someone looking for a more minimalist approach to hearing aids. #...

06/17/2025

Best-Of voting time! We would appreciate your support with a quick vote! Thanks Suffolk area:)
https://pilotonline.secondstreetapp.com/Best-of-Suffolk-Franklin-Isle-of-Wight-2025--Virginia-Media/gallery/480036507/?fbclid=IwY2xjawK-P5ZleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETBBeWlHekhEWUs2YXJYSVJlAR42UjOJvNGi3D13_jgs6ejfOPwzyL6WNHAp9qr8wptZAE89nQrg85bnwx7PEQ_aem_zNm6PILtACKRwTGWSV32CQ

Check it out now!

06/05/2025

June is Alzheimer's and Brain Awareness Month.

Hearing loss can lead to an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer's. It's important to be proactive with your hearing health.

Starkey Hearing is proud to partner with the Alzheimer's Association Minnesota-North Dakota Chapter to help .

05/20/2025

PSA: There is some real nonsense out there, like this insane ad. Don’t let them scam you—we are always happy to explain how things actually work, and what you can do about them.
Stay safe out there!

02/22/2025

“The true beauty of sound is not just in what we hear, but in how it connects us to the voices and laughter of those we love.” -Justin Osmond

We just had to share these wonderful hearing smiles from Justin and his parents, Mary and Merrill Osmond, who are all recently fit with Edge AI hearing aids.

Hearing is the sense that connects. Don’t let your hearing loss hold you back from life’s precious moments.

01/21/2025

Rock Legend Alice Cooper is back on tour, and he’s not letting his hearing loss hold him back. His Starkey hearing aids keep him engaged with others, while not letting him miss a beat on stage.