When most people think about hearing care, they think about ears—not brains. But research over the last decade has made one thing clear: hearing loss and brain health are deeply connected.

In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett of Timpanogos Hearing & Tinnitus explains why cognitive screening should be a routine part of every hearing evaluation. Drawing from major findings in the 2024 Lancet Commission on Dementia, he discusses how untreated hearing loss has emerged as one of the largest modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia.

Dr. Garrett breaks down why hearing loss places such a heavy load on the brain, how listening effort drains cognitive resources, and why social isolation further accelerates brain health risks. He also explains why hearing loss and cognitive decline can look strikingly similar—and why screening for both is essential to getting the full picture.

You'll learn why traditional cognitive tests often fail in hearing clinics, how newer visual-based screening tools are changing best practices, and what early detection means for patients and families. Most importantly, this episode focuses on proactive care—protecting hearing, supporting brain health, and maintaining connection and quality of life as we age.

📘 Learn more about hearing and brain health: https://utahhearingaids.com/learning-center

🗓 Northern Utah patients can schedule comprehensive care at: https://utahhearingaids.com

Many people are prescribed medications when tinnitus becomes overwhelming, but very few understand what those medications actually do—or don't do. In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett explains why no FDA-approved drug currently exists for tinnitus and breaks down the most common prescriptions patients receive, including antidepressants, benzodiazepines, anticonvulsants, and steroids.

You'll learn why these medications rarely reduce tinnitus loudness, how they may still help with anxiety, sleep, or distress, and why some drugs carry important safety considerations. Dr. Garrett also discusses the evidence behind treatments that do make a difference: cognitive behavioral therapy, sound therapy, hearing aids for those with hearing loss, and newer approaches like bimodal neuromodulation.

If you're trying to understand your options or make sense of conflicting advice, this episode offers a clear, clinical look at what research supports—and how real patients make meaningful progress through evidence-based care and auditory retraining.

Resources: Tinnitus Learning Center: https://utahhearingaids.com/learning-center Schedule an Appointment: https://utahhearingaids.com/

Follow the show for more evidence-based conversations about tinnitus, hearing loss, and hearing health.

Still struggling to hear conversations in noisy places—even after investing in "premium" hearing aids? You're not alone, and it's not your fault.

In this episode of All Ears: The Hearing & Tinnitus Podcast, Dr. Layne Garrett, audiologist at Timpanogos Hearing & Tinnitus in American Fork, Utah, exposes the most common reason hearing aids fail—and the one simple step that can make all the difference.

It's called Real Ear Measurement (REM), and it's the gold standard for hearing aid fittings recommended by every major audiology organization. Shockingly, fewer than one in three clinics perform it regularly. Without it, your provider is simply guessing how your hearing aids will perform in your ears.

Dr. Garrett explains why most people don't need new hearing aids—they need properly fitted ones. He also shares four essential questions to ask before you buy or upgrade, so you never waste money again.

If you're in **Utah County—American Fork, Lehi, Spanish Fork, or Provo—**this episode will help you take control of your hearing journey and finally get results that last.

Q: Why don't my hearing aids work in background noise? A: Because most clinics skip Real Ear Measurement—the only way to verify your hearing aids are programmed accurately for your ears.

Q: What is Real Ear Measurement? A: It's a test that measures how your hearing aids perform inside your ear canal, ensuring they're tuned to your unique hearing profile.

Q: How can I find a clinic that does REM? A: Ask directly before you book. In Utah County, Timpanogos Hearing & Tinnitus performs Real Ear Measurement on every patient.

• 🔗 Learn more about Real Ear Measurement → https://utahhearingaids.com/learning-center/

• 🏥 Schedule your consultation in Utah County → https://utahhearingaids.com

• 🎧 Listen to more episodes → All Ears: The Hearing & Tinnitus Podcast

All Ears: The Hearing & Tinnitus Podcast is hosted by Dr. Layne Garrett, a leading audiologist in Utah County. Each episode helps you understand the science, technology, and real-world care behind better hearing—without the hype.

What if the ringing in your ears isn't just coming from your ears? In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett breaks down the groundbreaking science behind the gut-brain-ear axis—a new way of understanding tinnitus that connects your digestive system, your brain, and your auditory pathways.

For years, tinnitus has been treated as a purely ear-based condition. But recent studies suggest the story may be far more complex. Emerging research into the gut microbiome shows that certain bacteria may influence inflammation, neurotransmitter production, and even how the brain processes sound.

Dr. Garrett explains what scientists are discovering about this connection and why traditional tinnitus treatments often miss the deeper biological mechanisms involved. You'll learn how stress, diet, and gut health could be influencing tinnitus severity—and what practical steps you can take to support a healthier internal environment.

From dietary strategies that feed beneficial gut bacteria to the surprising role of the vagus nerve, this conversation explores how improving your gut health might calm your brain's overactivity and help you find more balance with your tinnitus.

If you've ever noticed your tinnitus worsening after stress or certain foods, this episode could finally explain why—and give you real, evidence-based tools to start addressing it.

For more information visit our online learning center.

Binaural beats are everywhere online, especially in communities searching for tinnitus relief. You'll see videos promising "miracle cures," audio packs claiming to "retrain your brain," and testimonials that sound almost too good to be true. In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett breaks down what binaural beats actually are, how they affect the brain, and why the science doesn't support the claims you've probably seen on YouTube or social media.

We explore what recent studies *do* show — including small trials suggesting short-term reductions in distress — while also examining the limitations that marketers often ignore, such as tiny sample sizes, inconsistent results, and short follow-up periods. Dr. Garrett discusses how these mild effects compare to evidence-based tinnitus treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, tinnitus retraining therapy, hearing aids, and bimodal neuromodulation.

If you've ever wondered whether binaural beats are worth your time, or you're simply looking for trustworthy tinnitus information without hype, this episode gives you the clarity you've been searching for. To learn more or schedule an appointment in Northern Utah, visit utahhearingaids.com.

Magnesium is one of the most talked-about supplements in the hearing-loss world, but the claims you see online rarely match what the research actually shows. In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett breaks down the real science behind magnesium's role in hearing health—what it helps with, where it falls short, and why timing matters far more than most people realize.

You'll learn why magnesium can protect the inner ear during noise exposure, how military research uncovered its benefits, and why it can support treatment for sudden hearing loss when used within the right medical window. Just as importantly, we explore why magnesium cannot reverse age-related or long-standing hearing loss, despite what many supplement ads suggest.

Dr. Garrett also discusses what *does* make a real difference—starting with a proper hearing evaluation, evidence-based treatment, and REM-verified hearing aid fittings when needed. If you want clarity without hype, this conversation will help you understand where magnesium fits in—and where it doesn't.

To explore more resources or schedule an appointment in Northern Utah, visit utahhearingaids.com.

CBD has become one of the most talked-about "solutions" for tinnitus—but the reality is far more complicated than the online hype suggests. In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett, a tinnitus specialist with more than two decades of experience, breaks down what CBD can and cannot do for people living with tinnitus. You'll learn why CBD exploded in popularity, what the research actually shows, and why some people feel better even though CBD doesn't reduce the sound itself.

We explore the critical difference between *tinnitus volume* and *tinnitus reaction*, how stress and anxiety amplify the experience, and why CBD's calming effects may help some people feel less overwhelmed even if the tinnitus itself doesn't change. Dr. Garrett also discusses evidence-based treatments—like CBT, sound therapy, and REM-verified hearing aid fittings—that consistently help patients regain control and quality of life.

If you've ever wondered whether CBD is worth trying, or you've felt frustrated by the mixed messages online, this episode offers clarity grounded in neuroscience and patient outcomes. And if you're in Northern Utah, you can explore support resources or schedule an appointment anytime at utahhearingaids.com.

Tinnitus can feel ten times louder at night, especially when the world goes quiet and your brain locks onto the only sound left—the ringing. In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett walks through practical, evidence-informed strategies that help people finally get the rest they've been missing. You'll learn why silence magnifies tinnitus, how the stress response fuels sleepless nights, and what you can do to break that cycle using sound therapy, foundational sleep hygiene, and calming techniques that support your nervous system.

Dr. Garrett has spent more than two decades helping patients with tinnitus and complex hearing loss, using tools such as TRT, CBT, PTM, bimodal neuromodulation, and REM-verified hearing aid fittings. His clinical approach blends neuroscience, whole-person care, and outcome tracking to give patients clear, manageable next steps.

If you'd like to explore more resources or schedule a visit, you can learn more at [https://utahhearingaids.com](https://utahhearingaids.com). Quiet nights are possible, and this episode helps you understand where to begin.

Modern hearing aids can look similar on the surface, but the technology inside them varies dramatically. In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett breaks down the three core pillars that define a truly exceptional hearing aid: the Brain, the Body, and the Bridge. You'll learn how today's AI-driven sound processing improves speech clarity, reduces auditory load, and supports better communication in noisy environments.

We also explore why comfort, durability, and Real-Ear Measurements (REM) are essential for achieving accurate amplification tailored to your hearing loss. Dr. Garrett explains how connectivity features like Bluetooth LE Audio and Auracast are shaping the future of hearing technology and why choosing the right device is about far more than marketing claims.

Whether you're new to hearing aids or considering an upgrade, this episode gives you a clear, practical framework for understanding what truly matters. You'll walk away with questions to ask your audiologist, insight into modern devices, and confidence in navigating your hearing care options.

If you're in Northern Utah and want personalized support, visit our learning center at https://utahheringaids.com/learning-center or schedule an appointment anytime at https://utahhearingaids.com

Can menopause really cause ringing in your ears? In this episode, Dr. Layne Garrett explains the surprising connection between hormonal changes and tinnitus — and what you can actually do to calm it down.

Many women expect hot flashes and sleep changes during menopause, but not constant ringing or buzzing in their ears. Yet research now shows that estrogen affects more than just your reproductive system — it also influences how your brain processes sound. When hormone levels fluctuate, the auditory system can become hypersensitive, and that's where tinnitus begins.

Dr. Garrett breaks down the science in clear, relatable terms, showing how estrogen helps regulate hearing sensitivity, blood flow to the inner ear, and even the brain's "filtering" of background noise. You'll learn why the sound often gets louder under stress and why it's not "all in your head."

He also covers the most effective treatment approaches:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): when and how it helps.

• Sound Therapy and CBT: retraining your brain to ignore tinnitus.

• Bimodal Neuromodulation (Lenire): how this new FDA-approved therapy is changing treatment options.

• Lifestyle support: diet, sleep, and stress management that quiet the brain's reactivity.

By the end of this episode, you'll understand why tinnitus during menopause is common — and why it's not something you just have to live with. Dr. Garrett's message is simple: your symptoms are real, they're explainable, and there are clear ways to reduce the noise.

Take the next step: Learn more at our Learning Center: https://utahhearingaids.com/learning-center/ If you're in Utah County, Salt Lake County, or nearby areas, schedule your appointment online: https://utahhearingaids.com