Deafness help. Two different hearing aids in outstretched hands of smiling pretty woman in medical gown on light background
Research continues to strengthen the link between hearing loss and dementia. A 2024 study found that patients who have hearing loss and wear hearing aids have a reduced risk of dementia compared with those who have hearing loss without wearing aids.
For Von Serig, owner of Beltone Hearing Aid Center in Madison, the growing body of research that connects hearing loss and dementia echoes what he has seen over 45 years helping patients as a hearing care practitioner.
“Even with mild hearing loss, the risk for dementia can be twice as high,” Serig said. “For people with moderate hearing loss, it triples, and for those with severe hearing loss it can be five times greater. That’s why treating hearing loss is so important — not just for today, but for your long-term health.”
Know the signs of hearing loss
Hearing loss often develops gradually and many people may not notice changes right away.
Signs of hearing loss may include turning up the TV, frequently asking others to repeat themselves, withdrawing from social situations and feeling unusually tired after conversations.
Serig recommends scheduling a baseline hearing test around age 60. Beltone offers free hearing evaluations, giving patients clarity and peace of mind without pressure to make a purchase.
“It doesn’t hurt to come in and get a baseline,” Serig said. “We’re not going to twist your arm. We’ll explain what we find and go from there. Addressing hearing loss doesn’t just affect your ears. It affects your brain, your relationships and your independence.”
Solutions tailored to patient needs
According to Serig, more people are becoming aware of the connection between hearing loss and cognitive health.
“I have people come into my office and bring it up themselves,” Serig said. “They’ll say, ‘I don’t want to get dementia, and I want to do everything I can to prevent it.’”
If that baseline test reveals hearing loss that requires intervention, Beltone makes the process simple. Every device comes with a free trial, so patients can experience the difference before making a commitment.
“I tell people to take notes and bring me everything they don’t like or want improved. The more feedback you give me, the better I can make them work for you.”
Once the patient chooses a device and has their initial fitting, they return weekly at first for adjustments, then every few months for cleanings, checkups and fine-tuning done by board-certified hearing instrument specialists. Those check-ins are done at no cost.
“It’s very important to keep hearing aids in good working order and sounding their best,” Serig said. “That ongoing care makes all the difference in protecting your hearing and your memory.”
When patients opt to work with Beltone Hearing Aid Center they benefit from a staff with unique expertise and a tradition of exceptional customer service.
“We take wonderful care of our people,” Serig said. “That’s what keeps us in business year after year and why generations of families keep coming back.”
To make an appointment at Beltone Hearing Aid Center, call 608.256.6440.
