ALZHEIMER'S: Ears aren't guilty

On page A12 of the Monday, March 4 Cd’A Press, Miracle Ear has a full-page ad stating the more hearing loss one has, the greater likelihood of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s. Let’s look at this in a reasonable way.

If you have hearing loss your memory will suffer, but not because of Alzheimer’s. It’s because you can’t pay attention to what’s being said. Miracle Ear says the more the hearing loss one has, the greater likelihood of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s. Well, Alzheimer’s is but one of a hundred different types of dementia. Also, if hearing loss causes Alzheimer’s, we are all in big trouble. Most people who served in the military have hearing loss today. If they are all going to get Alzheimer’s, America is doomed.

Bottom line is this: Just because you forget or get confused does not mean you have Alzheimer’s. It could mean you were not paying attention or you could not hear. In this ad, it states “the more hearing loss you have, the greater the likelihood of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s” and “hearing aids could delay or prevent dementia by improving the patient’s hearing.”

So hearing aids can prevent dementia? Well howdy doody. I have Lewy Body Dementia. The same is true with Alzheimer’s dementia in that with dementia, it eats your brain and once it is gone, it’s gone. There is NO cure and for sure a hearing aid is not that cure.

Do not listen to the voices of confusion. If you have questions, go see your doctor. Hearing aids could help you hear better, but that’s it.

If your hot water tank is leaking, would you call a chef to fix it? Nor should you call people who work with hearing aids to cure your dementia. If you have questions go see a neurologist.

KEVIN DAHL

Coeur d’Alene