By Dr. Keith N. Darrow, Ph.D., CCC-A, FAAA Hearing loss and tinnitus are more than an inconvenience—they are a neurologic condition that gets worse with time and impacts memory, emotional well-being, and physical health. The journey of hearing loss and tinnitus doesn’t happen overnight but instead progresses through distinct stages—beginning (for most) in their 40s…
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The holidays are full of joy, but let’s be honest—they’re also noisy. From the laughter of children to the clatter of dishes and overlapping conversations, the chaos of a holiday dinner can be overwhelming. For someone with hearing loss, these moments can feel like a challenge to keep up. But over the years, I’ve learned…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Have you ever noticed how certain foods can make you feel great, while others leave you sluggish or cranky? It turns out that the old saying “you are what you eat” has more truth to it than we might realize. Our food choices don’t just affect our waistlines or…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A In recent years, research has highlighted the critical role of cognitive engagement in promoting brain health and potentially delaying Alzheimer’s dementia. Staying mentally active is not just beneficial but essential for building what scientists call “cognitive reserve” — the brain’s ability to withstand and adapt to age-related changes and…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Understanding the Mystery Behind Ear Muscle Spasms Have you ever heard of Tensor Tympani Syndrome (TTS)? If not, it’s definitely something worth learning about—especially if you or someone you know experiences strange ear sensations that don’t quite make sense. Remember: The #1 way to prevent hearing loss is to…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A As we age, our bodies undergo various changes, and one of the most common issues that affect older individuals, especially women, is hearing loss. Hearing loss is a pervasive problem among the elderly population, and it significantly impacts emotional, social, physical and cognitive health. In this article, we will…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A I have dedicated my career to understanding the intricate relationships between hearing, cognition, and overall well-being. One of the most pressing issues I encounter is the undeniable link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. It’s a connection that many may overlook, yet the impact of untreated hearing loss can…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A New Study Suggests They Might, But There’s a Catch Hey there! Ever wondered if wearing hearing aids could actually help you live longer? Well, recent research seems to suggest just that—but there’s a twist: you have to use them regularly for the magic to happen. If you would like…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Can Natural Solutions Help? If you or a loved one has Meniere’s disease, you know that the unpredictable vertigo, ringing in the ears, and hearing loss can make life feel like a rollercoaster ride you didn’t sign up for. While traditional medical treatments can help manage the symptoms, many…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Finding Relief from the Ringing If you’re one of the millions dealing with that persistent ringing, buzzing, or humming in your ears—known as tinnitus—you’re not alone. While there’s no one-size-fits-all fix, one technique has brought relief to many: tinnitus masking. If you would like more information on hearing loss,…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A How would you feel about living a life that is healthier and happier? I suppose the answer would be a resounding, “I would love that!” I’m here to tell you that as you age, there are certain misconceptions that, if understood, can help you and your loved ones live…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Physical Activity and Brain Health: How Exercise Helps Prevent Alzheimer’s Dementia Alzheimer’s dementia is a progressive disease that impacts memory, thinking, and behavior, affecting millions worldwide. While age and genetics are factors that increase the risk of Alzheimer’s, lifestyle choices play a significant role in prevention. One of the…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Understanding Cognitive Rehabilitation: A Pathway to Brain Health As a neuroscientist and audiologist, I have seen firsthand how cognitive health affects quality of life. Cognitive decline, often considered an inevitable part of aging, doesn’t have to be accepted as “just a part of getting older.” Cognitive rehabilitation, a targeted…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Signs of Early Brain Changes: Catch Those Sneaky Signals Before They Catch you! As I venture through my quest to save as many people as I can from the devastating impacts of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, something occurred to me recently. Memory loss is an obvious (and the most…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A What We Know About Apple AirPods Pro 2 OTC Hearing Aids While I will be giving you my opinion on the new Apple AirPods Pro 2, I titled this article “I’m All Ears” because I really want to know what others think too. Please comment below in the discussion…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Recent research from Columbia University in New York and Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard in Boston suggests that adults over 60 aiming to maintain their memory could find support in a daily multivitamin supplement. In a recent interview with Adam M. Brickman, PhD, a professor of neuropsychology at Columbia University,…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Do you or someone you know have diabetes? Did you know that there is a significant connection between diabetes and hearing loss? Hearing loss happens for many reasons. In past articles, we’ve discussed, ways to protect your hearing, and important tips for treating your hearing loss. But this article is going to…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Staying Nourished While on the Go! So, you guys know that I’m on the road often teaching, sharing, speaking at conferences, and even vacationing! This month I’d like to share how I maintain balance and still enjoy myself while on the go. Remember, splurging is ok, but everything in…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Most people do not like to run. I get it. I’m one of those people too. But what if you were told that running and/or walking ~7 or more miles per week could reduce your risk of dying from dementia by up to 40%? Perhaps now you might agree – this might…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A For decades I’ve been teaching people with hearing loss how their balance can be affected, especially when their hearing loss has gone untreated. But how exactly does hearing loss impact your balance? Please keep in mind today and everyday that the #1 way to prevent hearing loss is to…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A How High Blood Sugar Levels Can Affect Your Ears and What You Can Do About It When you think of diabetes, what comes to mind? Blood sugar levels, insulin, maybe even diet and exercise? But did you know that diabetes could also affect your hearing? It’s not just about…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Enhancing Hearing Healthcare and Tinnitus Care through Private Practice and ATA Support In the realm of hearing healthcare, private practice plays a vital role in delivering personalized, high-quality care to individuals suffering from various auditory conditions, including tinnitus. As a healthcare provider, clinical audiologist, MIT and Harvard Medical School…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A How Memory Shapes Our Eating Habits and Weight Ever wondered why we sometimes can’t resist that extra slice of cake or find ourselves munching on snacks long after we’re full? Turns out, our memory plays a crucial role in how we eat and manage our weight. My published cookbook,…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A New Studies Show That Millions of People with Mild Cognitive Impairment Go Undiagnosed Have you ever had one of those moments where you walk into a room and completely forget why you went in there in the first place? Or maybe you’ve struggled to remember someone’s name, even though…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Why it Can Be a Game-Changer for Women with Hearing Loss This month, let’s talk about hearing rehabilitation and how it can truly make a difference. If you or someone you know has been following my articles because of hearing difficulties, this might be just what you need to…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Mop the Floor, Do the Dishes and Prevent Dementia! In recent years, three significant long-term studies have shed light on the nuanced relationship between exercise and dementia risk, dispelling uncertainties and providing valuable insights. While experts have long believed in the protective effects of exercise against dementia, these studies,…
Exploring the Connection Between Nutrients and Hearing Health in the Golden Years Let’s chat about something that’s both common and often overlooked as we get older: hearing loss. If you’re an elderly woman or you know one, you might already be familiar with how age-related hearing loss, also known as presbycusis, can creep up on…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Everyday Things That Can Secretly Harm Your Hearing Hey there! Let’s chat about something super important but often overlooked—our hearing. We usually think that loud concerts or blaring headphones are the main culprits behind hearing loss, but did you know there are everyday things that can harm your hearing…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Boost Your Memory with Foods That Support Cognitive Function Memory is an essential cognitive function that allows us to retain, retrieve, and use information from our experiences. As we age, it’s natural for memory to decline, but diet plays a significant role in maintaining and even enhancing our memory…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Hey there! Let’s chat about something super important but often overlooked—our hearing. We usually think that loud concerts or blaring headphones are the main culprits behind hearing loss, but did you know there are everyday things that can harm your hearing without you even realizing it? Yep, it’s true!…
Foods to Watch Out For By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Let’s talk about something that might not be on your radar but could be buzzing around your ears: tinnitus triggers. Yep, those pesky sounds that nobody else can hear but can drive you up the wall. And guess what? What you eat could be…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A What Science Tells Us Have you ever found yourself suddenly craving a slice of rich chocolate cake or a bag of salty potato chips? We’ve all experienced food cravings at some point in our lives, often linked to our emotions, habits, or even nutrient deficiencies. But did you know…
New Studies Show That Millions of People with Mild Cognitive Impairment Go Undiagnosed By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Have you ever had one of those moments where you walk into a room and completely forget why you went in there in the first place? Or maybe you’ve struggled to remember someone’s name, even though…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A The Enigmatic Dance Between Alcohol and Tinnitus Ever heard that ringing in your ears after a night out? That might just be your body saying, “Cheers, but hold the noise!” I’m talking about tinnitus, the pesky sensation of phantom sounds buzzing around your ears. It’s like having your own…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Nourish Your Noggin with Nature’s Nectar! Welcome to the tea party for your brain! Green tea isn’t just a refreshing beverage; it’s a potion of cognitive prowess! Let’s explore how this humble green brew can boost your brainpower with its evidence-based benefits. So, grab your favorite cup, sit back,…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Practical Tips for a Fulfilling Everyday Life with Hearing Loss Whether by birth or acquired later in life, hearing impairment affects individuals in distinct ways, posing intricate challenges that significantly influence their daily lives. The deaf and hard of hearing encounter daily struggles that often go unnoticed by those…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Over 100 million adults in the U.S. are taking statins for related cardiovascular disease. Statins, designed to reduce cholesterol and initially aimed at preventing heart disease, are now being explored for their potential in preventing dementia. Some researchers suggest that common forms of dementia may be linked to changes…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A What Science Tells Us Have you ever found yourself suddenly craving a slice of rich chocolate cake or a bag of salty potato chips? We’ve all experienced food cravings at some point in our lives, often linked to our emotions, habits, or even nutrient deficiencies. But did you know…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A
Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Tinnitus, that persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sound in the ears, affects millions of people worldwide, often disrupting daily life and causing distress. While there’s no one-size-fits-all cure, emerging research suggests that mindfulness techniques can help manage tinnitus and alleviate its bothersome effects. Today, let’s explore how mindfulness can offer…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A What Science Tells Us Have you ever found yourself suddenly craving a slice of rich chocolate cake or a bag of salty potato chips? We’ve all experienced food cravings at some point in our lives, often linked to our emotions, habits, or even nutrient deficiencies. But did you know…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A In recent years, the incidence of early-onset dementia has been steadily rising, prompting researchers from Maastricht University in the Netherlands and the University of Exeter in the U.K. to conduct a groundbreaking study. Published in JAMA Neurology (December 2023), the study challenges the prevailing belief that genetics alone are…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Have you heard the old adage “you are what you eat”? This couldn’t ring truer, especially when it comes to brain health. The foods we consume play a vital role in supporting cognitive function, memory retention, and overall mental well-being. Incorporating certain foods into your diet can be a…
Each month, I will share with you important insights about dementia and the potential impact of cognitive rehabilitation and lifestyle interventions on cognitive well-being. You and your loved ones can always find more resources at www.PreventingDecline.com and find a local approved healthcare provider to help you reduce your risk of dementia (visit www.ExcellenceInAudiology.com). As of now, it’s projected…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Most people do not like to run. I get it. I’m one of those people too. But what if you were told that running and/or walking ~7 or more miles per week could reduce your risk of dying from dementia by up to 40%? Perhaps now you might agree – this might…
By: Dr. Keith N. Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Exploring the Intersection of Hearing Loss and Dementia Hearing loss can be a frustrating and debilitating experience, negatively impacting a person’s entire quality of life. It is a fact that nearly half of people over the age of 60 have hearing loss. That’s disturbing to me, especially when…
Truth is, tinnitus can not be cured. But what if I told you that there was an 80% chance that your tinnitus could be treated and that you could live with less tinnitus (perhaps you might even be able to live a ‘ring-free’ life)? Like most major medical conditions, i.e. cancer, heart disease, diabetes and so…
By: Dr. Keith Darrow, PhD, CCC-A Simply put, the brain can benefit greatly by being proactive in taking care of your hearing loss as you age. In fact, studies have shown that by treating your hearing loss, you can slow down the degenerative disease of dementia by up to 75%. And a recent article from…
Frequently Asked Questions Below is a handy-dandy resource section for you and your loved ones to help guide you through some of the most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Is it really such a big deal if I do not treat my hearing loss? Unfortunately, yes. Untreated hearing loss is linked to life-threatening medical conditions including…