LISTEN UP. It's time to start really listening to your body, especially as a form of self-care. (Photo via Unsplash)

The phrase “self-care” often invokes the smell of a bubble bath running or a candle being lit for the first time, a face mask and a quiet night in, or taking a vacation from everyday life. But are you really listening to your body?

“For so long, people have minimized the importance of hearing and how important it is to human connection,” said Dr. Rebecca Younk, owner of Eau Claire’s Beltone. “Human connection is the ultimate self-care. We all need our downtime, don’t get me wrong, but we also need our support networks to communicate. For most, language is verbal communication – unless you’ve learned sign language and are more visual – but for most Americans, we communicate verbally, so good hearing is very important.”

As a practicing doctor of audiology since 2000, Dr. Younk is passionate not only about hearing treatments, but specifically about the prevention of hearing issues. Owning several Beltone locations – initially in Minnesota and now throughout Wisconsin, including Eau Claire – she is working hard to educate folks on preventative care.

Recent research, specifically a study released by neurologists in the Journal of American Medicine in December 2022, has found through a long-term study that hearing loss is also directly tied to cognitive health, including risks of dementia. While some factors for developing dementia include things that are uncontrollable, like genetics, our environment is something we can typically control.

Dr. Rebecca Younk, Beltone audiologist.

“The study basically says, hearing loss is the single most important thing that we can treat or not develop that will help us not get dementia down the road,” Dr. Younk said.

After looking at treatment via hearing aids and cochlear implants, the study found that treating hearing loss using either device had a direct association with a 19% reduction in long-term cognitive decline. In the immediate short term, cognitive test scores improved by 3% just by having proper hearing care.

What folks might not realize is how hearing health is directly connected to overall health. Someone with cardiovascular issues, diabetes, or other overall health issues, is more likely to also develop hearing loss.

“The ear has a vascular system, just like the entire body,” Dr. Younk explained. “Arteries, capillaries; the vascular system runs through our whole body, as well as the ear. Because the ear is so tiny, that part of our vascular system is tiny as well, so even a little cardiovascular issue can also impact the ear and can cause hearing loss.”

So, what can folks do? Well, some of the preventative measures are somewhat obvious: using hearing protection. While many have heard about the risks associated with listening to or being around loud music at concerts or even just headphones, folks with noisy jobs or hobbies should also take special care. Dr. Younk pointed out that those who frequent a firing range or are hunters should use specific hunting hearing protection. Even people who enjoy local live music should also think about using plugs or headphones, especially if it’s an every-weekend type of hobby.

“Beltone isn’t just hearing aid care, but also a kind of holistic look at a person overall and being able to interweave hearing care into the healthcare profession from prevention to treatment,” she explained. “We would love to be more in the preventative side of medicine than treatment, but many people aren’t aware of the importance of prevention.”

For folks who are simply curious about their health, a baseline hearing test is the way to go. Plus, those with a family history of hearing loss or issues, or people experiencing any sort of ringing or buzzing and difficulty hearing, can also start with a baseline hearing test.

Self-care can certainly include thoughtful one-on-one time with yourself via a home-cooked meal and a movie, a bath and face mask, or a good workout sesh, but don’t forget about ears and hearing health.

Check out what services could be right for you at beltone.com and set up an appointment for the Eau Claire Beltone (1101 W Clairemont Ave., # 1D, Eau Claire) or wherever is most convenient for you. Dr. Rebecca Younk may be available at the Eau Claire location and can be reached at rebecca.younk@associated-hearing.com.