Beverly Hills Hearing Center was founded in 1983 by Bonnie Baehr. Prior to that, Dr. Baehr practiced at the House Ear Clinic in Los Angeles as a staff audiologist for seven years. She was involved with diagnostic testing, hearing aid evaluations, research and rehabilitation. Dr. Baehr did her clinical fellowship training at the Veterans Administration Outpatient Clinic in downtown Los Angeles. She is a member of the American Academy of Audiology, American Speech Language and Hearing Association, California Academy of Audiology and Academy of Doctors of Audiology.
Latest posts by Bonnie L. Baehr, Au.D. (see all)
- Treating Hearing Loss Can Help Prevent Other Health Issues - March 5, 2025
- Types of Hearing Loss - February 26, 2025
- Signs Your Hearing Aids Need Professional Repair - February 15, 2025
Hearing loss is the third most common health condition for people 65 and older. Even so, it is important to understand that hearing loss can affect anyone of any age. In fact, hearing loss related to age only makes up one-third of all cases in the United States. The good news is that by diagnosing and addressing hearing loss early, studies have shown an increased chance of maintaining good health.
Hearing Loss and Reduced Physical Activity
One of the most essential keys to aging gracefully is to stay active. In fact, a recent study Published in 2021, explored the impact of hearing on physical activity and mobility. Based on data collected from 291 participants ranging in age from 60 to 69, they found that hearing loss had an undeniable link to reduced physical activity, from moderate activity to even minimum physical activity. When we struggle to hear, we may be less inclined to go out, socialize, and try new things, leading to more time spent at home and higher rates of depression. The less active we are, the less likely we will continue to be active leading to a more sedentary lifestyle and physical decline. In addition, reduced auditory cues in our environment mean a higher risk of accidents, causing many to opt out of going out or staying active.
Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline
We collect sounds with our ears, but hearing is completed when sounds reach and are interpreted by our brain. Speech and sounds are decoded in the auditory cortex, and as hearing loss develops, we receive less and less speech and sounds, causing the brain to work harder. This can lead to exhaustion, frustration, and fatigue.
To better understand the impact of hearing loss on cognitive function Dr. Frank Lin from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore collected cognitive health data along with hearing exams from nearly 2,000 older adults, which was followed up after six years. Dr. Lin and his team found that older adults with untreated hearing loss were 24% more likely to have cognitive impairment or rapid cognitive decline increasing the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia!
Book a Hearing Test with Us Today
Hearing exams are quick and painless. They will also help us to help you achieve a more active and enriching life. Don’t wait for hearing loss to get so bad it impacts the quality of your life. Schedule a hearing exam with us today!