Dr. Keith Darrow, a Harvard Medical School and MIT trained neuroscientist, clinical audiologist, professor, author of two Amazon bestselling books, and director of treatment at AudiExperts. He is the co-founder of the Hearing and Brain Centers of America and audiology movements across the country to improve the lives of the 1.5 billion people worldwide living with untreated hearing loss. Dr. Darrow is a nationally recognized speaker, trainer, and his research conducted at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary has been cited over 1,200 times. In this episode, Brendan is joined by Dr. Darrow to discuss the importance of understanding and treating hearing loss and tinnitus while challenging the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding hearing loss. He shares his journey of discovering a passion for hearing loss research and the profound impact of hearing on communication and overall well-being. He also explores the link between hearing loss, tinnitus, and cognitive decline, emphasizing the importance of early treatment. The conversation emphasizes the importance of early screening for hearing loss and the role of nutrition and physical activity in maintaining brain health.

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Episode 40 Takeaways

• There is a stigma associated with hearing loss, and public education is needed to dispel misconceptions and promote understanding.
• Untreated hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline and dementia, highlighting the importance of early treatment.
• Noise exposure, including occupational noise, can contribute to hearing loss and tinnitus.
• Changing perspectives on aging and health have led to a greater emphasis on maintaining quality of life and addressing hearing loss and tinnitus as chronic neurologic conditions. Early detection and treatment of hearing loss is crucial for preventing cognitive decline and dementia.
• Excellent clinicians in audiology prioritize comprehensive testing and cognitive screening.
• Creating inclusive gyms requires accommodations such as direct audio input and acoustic improvements.
• Lived experience in audiology can provide valuable insights and empathy for patients.
• Practical recommendations for hearing health include early screening, a healthy diet, and regular physical activity.

Episode 40 Chapters

00:00 - Introduction

01:18 - Discovering a Passion for Hearing Loss Research

07:46 - The Link Between Hearing Loss, Tinnitus, and Cognitive Decline

10:42 - The Importance of Treating Hearing Loss

11:00 - The Relationship Between Tinnitus and Dementia

15:32 - Occupations and Noise Exposure

20:24 - Addressing Tinnitus and Hearing Loss

22:37 - Resources for Education and Treatment

23:25 - Understanding Tinnitus as a Chronic Neurologic Condition

23:55 - Early Detection and Treatment of Hearing Loss

24:17 - Differentiating Excellent Clinicians in Audiology

27:32 - Growth of Hearing and Brain Centers of America

29:04 - Creating More Inclusive Gyms

29:25 - Scaling a Business and Maintaining Quality

31:02 - The Importance of Lived Experience in Audiology

33:29 - Accommodations for Hearing Loss in Fitness Facilities

35:34 - Nutrition's Impact on Hearing Health

38:26 - Practical Recommendations for Hearing Health

41:20 - Early Screening for Hearing Loss