In recent years, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in hearing aids has revolutionized how we manage hearing loss. Now, these life-changing devices like the Genesis AI are even more powerful with the introduction of smartphone apps like the My Starkey Hearing Aid App. This easy-to-use application offers a suite of features designed to enhance not only your auditory experience, but also your overall well-being.
In this post, we explore the relationship between hearing loss and physical health, examining the potential causes and consequences. We’ll also discuss the My Starkey Hearing Aid App and how this innovative smartphone app provides a proactive approach to health management, enhancing both your hearing and physical wellness.
The Connection Between Hearing Loss and Physical Health
The effects of hearing loss reach far beyond our auditory senses. From an increased risk of falls to cognitive decline, untreated hearing loss can greatly impact your physical health:
Increased Risk of Falls
Our hearing plays a crucial role in spatial awareness. Sounds provide important cues about our environment, helping us to identify things, gauge distances, and understand our surroundings.
When our hearing is impaired, these cues are diminished, leading to difficulties in navigating spaces safely, and increasing the risk of falls. In fact, studies show that adults with mild hearing loss are 3x more at risk of falling 1 than those with healthy auditory function.
Cognitive Decline
Just like muscles need exercise to stay strong, our brains need constant stimulation to function correctly. Hearing loss deprives the brain of this essential auditory stimulation, which has been linked to accelerated brain tissue atrophy and conditions such as dementia 2.
Researchers have concluded that mild hearing loss doubles the risk of dementia, moderate hearing loss triples the risk, and severe hearing loss increases the likelihood of dementia by five times3.
Cardiovascular Disease (Heart Disease)
Although hearing loss doesn’t cause cardiovascular disease, a 2018 study4 suggests a link between the two conditions. First and foremost, the study found that hearing loss could be an indicator of underlying heart disease. Secondly, the study concluded that hypertension (high blood pressure) may accelerate hearing loss due to reduced blood flow to the ears, which deprives the auditory system of oxygen and other nutrients.
Potential Mental Health Effects
Research shows that hearing loss can also significantly impact emotional wellness 5. The challenges of communication, coupled with feelings of isolation, can lead to anxiety, depression, and overall psychological distress.
Over time, these mental health struggles can begin to have profound physical effects. According to Harvard Health, loneliness, which is often a byproduct of hearing loss, can be as detrimental to the body as smoking 15 cigarettes a day6.
Beyond Better Hearing: How the My Starkey Hearing Aid App Can Boost Your Physical Health
We often think of hearing aids solely as tools for improving auditory clarity. However, hearing aids with artificial intelligence (AI) like the Genesis AI, coupled with the My Starkey Hearing Aid App are revolutionizing the way we approach hearing loss care altogether.
Beyond improved hearing, this innovative AI-powered hearing aid app offers a range of features and insights designed to support your overall physical health and well-being. Read on to learn how the My Starkey Hearing Aid App can be a valuable tool in your journey to optimal health.
Fitness Tracking
The My Starkey Hearing Aid App harnesses the power of AI technology to monitor and track your physical activity. With built-in sensors, you can accurately track steps, distance, and even daily health vitals. This data is easily accessible in the smartphone app, providing you with a clear overview of your activity levels every day.
These metrics provide valuable insights for both you and your healthcare provider to create personalized wellness plans tailored to your specific needs. By offering a comprehensive view of your health, the My Starkey smartphone app empowers you to make informed lifestyle choices and take a proactive approach to your overall well-being.
Set Personalized Fitness Goals
Staying motivated is key to achieving your fitness goals. The My Starkey Hearing Aid App goes beyond basic activity tracking by allowing you to set personalized fitness milestones. Whether it’s increasing your daily step count or hitting a new personal record, the app offers the flexibility to define your own challenges.
With progress updates and celebrations, the My Starkey app encourages healthy habits and keeps you motivated.
Reduced Risk of Falls
Hearing loss can significantly increase the risk of falls1, but the My Starkey Hearing Aid App is here to help. Regular physical activity improves balance, coordination, and overall mobility, reducing the likelihood of accidents. By promoting an active lifestyle and providing tools to track your daily engagement, the app can contribute to fall prevention.
Additionally, the My Starkey app allows you to effortlessly fine-tune your hearing aid settings for optimal sound quality at all times. This can help you remain aware of your surroundings and potential hazards or safety concerns, greatly reducing the risk of accidents like falling.
Automatic Fall Detection and Emergency Alerts
The My Starkey app offers an added layer of safety with automatic fall detection and emergency alerts. The Genesis AI hearing aids have built-in sensors to detect sudden changes in movement or orientation indicative of a fall. When paired, the My Starkey app then sends an emergency alert to designated contacts.
This feature provides peace of mind for both you and your loved ones, knowing that help is just a notification away.
Reduced Risk of Dementia
As mentioned above, the lack of auditory stimulation associated with hearing loss has been linked to an increased risk of dementia 2. Equipped with advanced AI technology, the My Starkey smartphone app allows you to instantly optimize sound clarity to your environment, providing uninterrupted auditory stimulation.
By improving hearing clarity and engagement, the My Starkey Hearing Aid App contributes to the auditory enrichment our brains need to maintain cognitive health.
Improved Social Engagement
Hearing loss can often lead to feelings of loneliness and social isolation. Socialization is vital for emotional, cognitive, and physical health7. The My Starkey Hearing Aid App makes it easier to enjoy conversations and social interactions by optimizing sound quality and simplifying hearing aid usage.
By removing communication barriers, the app encourages social engagement, which is essential for overall health and happiness.
Demo the Genesis AI Hearing Aids and My Starkey Hearing Aid App for Free at American Ear
The Genesis AI hearing aid and My Starkey Hearing Aid App are more than just tools for better hearing; they are a comprehensive approach to a healthier lifestyle. Ready to experience the benefits of AI hearing aids for yourself? Schedule an appointment for a free demo at American Ear in today.
References
- Lin, F. R., & Ferrucci, L. (2012). Hearing loss and falls among older adults in the United States. Archives of internal medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3518403
- Nicole M. Armstrong, PhD; Yang An, MS; Jimit Doshi, MS (2019). Association of Midlife Hearing Impairment with Late-Life Temporal Lobe Volume Loss. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/article-abstract/2737210?_gl=1*scupzg*_gcl_au*MTA4Mjk4MDExOS4xNzE4OTAwMTc0
- Alison R. Huang, PhD, Kening Jiang, MHS, Frank R. Lin, MD, PhD (2023). Hearing Loss and Dementia Prevalence in Older Adults in the US. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2800197?resultClick=1&_gl=1*17hitbx*_gcl_au*MTA4Mjk4MDExOS4xNzE4OTAwMTc0
- Wattamwar, K., Qian, Z. J., Otter, J., Leskowitz, M. J., Caruana, F. F., Siedlecki, B., Spitzer, J. B., & Lalwani, A. K. (2018). Association of Cardiovascular Comorbidities With Hearing Loss in the Older Old. JAMA otolaryngology– head & neck surgery. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamaoto.2018.0643
- Niazi, Y., Ejaz, B., & Muazzam, A. (2020). Impact of hearing impairment on psychological distress and subjective well-being in older adults. Pakistan journal of medical sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7501003/
- Good hearing essential to physical and emotional well-being. https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/good-hearing-essential-to-physical-and-emotional-well-being-2016102010480
- Socializing Improves Retirees’ Physical, Mental Health. https://crr.bc.edu/socializing-improves-retirees-physical-mental-health/