From left, Swift Audiology associates Dr. Nicole Schott, Dr. Megan Myers, Kellie Tankersley, Debra Swift, founder and owner, and Tammy Swift help patients get the right hearing aids. Submitted Photo

When it comes to hearing improvement, Swift Audiology’s Debra Swift admits that deciding where to get hearing aids can be very confusing. There is a wide array of choices in providers, brands, price ranges and styles.

Debra Swift, founder and owner of Swift Audiology, has been working with those experiencing hearing difficulties for more than 27 years. Swift Audiology has businesses in four locations: Washington, South Hills, North Hills and now Butler.

Hearing is actually a function of the brain. Multiple studies have been and continue to show a link between untreated hearing loss and cognitive decline (i.e. Dementia/Alzheimer’s). Our ears are responsible for collecting the sound, and our nerves of hearing send the sound to our brain.

With hearing loss, as it worsens and remains untreated, the brain is deprived of normal auditory messages and forgets how to understand speech properly, much like when muscles atrophy when a person stops using them.

A study at Johns Hopkins Institute found that people with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia and/or cognitive deficits than those who retain their hearing as they age.

The Better Institute of Health (BHI) continues to support that there is strong evidence that hearing impairment contributes to a progression in cognitive decline in adults. BHI also states that research has shown that the use of hearing aids has helped reduce the symptoms of depression, passivity, negativism, disorientation, anxiety, social isolation, feelings of helplessness, loss of independence and general cognitive decline in people with known cognitive deficits.

“We set realistic expectations when we’re fitting a patient with hearing instruments” says Swift. “They know what to expect. They know the brain will adjust and, given time, will acclimate to the sounds it has been missing.”

With Swift’s patient care program, which includes lifetime cleanings and maintenance, walk-in cleaning clinics, free batteries and patient care appointments, patients cannot only hear at optimal levels, they can go about their lives without worry that their investment in their hearing will be wasted. Improvement in their quality of living is established.

Call your Butler Swift Audiology office today at 724-431-6311 to schedule your complimentary tinnitus and hearing loss screening. You’ll be glad you did.

This article was submitted by Swift Audiology.