Whelehans Health Blog
Part 2 of our article considering links between hearing loss and mental decline in the elderly
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Hearing loss, even when mild, can lead to mental decline in older people (Part 2) The team from Blackberry Hearing offer free hearing tests weekly at Whelehans Pharmacy Pearse St. The Audiology team at Blackberry pointed out to me research that was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in late 2019 indicating that even mild hearing loss can lead to mental decline in older people. Reuters Health ran the story in November 2019, and it is from here I got the information for this article. Even slight hearing loss can cause mental decline Slight declines...
Can hearing loss lead to mental decline in older people?
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Hearing loss, even when mild, can lead to mental decline in older people (Part 1) Why would hearing loss lead to mental decline? Some scientists suspect that hearing issues might lead to thinking problems because the brain must redirect so much attention to hearing so it does not get to exercise other mental functions as much. “People with hearing problems use more brainpower to decode the words that are said, they don’t get to process the meaning of what was said, which is the intellectually stimulating part,” according to the study’s lead author, Dr Justin Golub. Dr...
Problems caused by excess ear wax and how removal using microsuction can remedy them
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
Excess wax in the ears can sometimes lead to various problems and discomfort. Potential problems caused by excess ear wax Impacted earwax: When wax accumulates in the ear canal, it may become hard and impacted, causing a blockage. This can lead to symptoms like earache, hearing loss, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), and a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. Temporary hearing loss: Excessive earwax can obstruct the ear canal, which can result in temporary hearing loss. This can make it difficult to hear sounds and communicate clearly. Ear infections: Wax can create...
Concluding our series on getting the most from your medication - ideas to improve medication adherence
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
How to maximise the benefits of your medicines – Medication Adherence Part 3 Monitored dosage systems (MDS) – “Blister Packs” Monitored dosage systems (MDS) – “Blister Packs” can be created in your local pharmacy. There are multiple types and different options for patients, depending on individual concerns. A blister pack device is designed to simplify patients’ medication usage and commonly comes in the form of a box or blister pack divided into the days of the week and times of day. Tray-style blister packs are suitable for home use. There are other pouch/bubble-type systems (Bio-Dose) available which are for people...
Pt 2 on How to get the best from your medications looks at Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist
Posted by Eamonn Brady on
How to maximise the benefits of your medicines – Medication Adherence Part 2 Questions to ask your doctor or pharmacist Here are some key questions that you as the patient can discuss with your pharmacist or doctor to help initiate, frame and guide a conversation about your medicine taking: Opener: E.g. I have a lot of medications to manage. E.g. I am taking my medications by doing the following ...? Elicit more information/guidance from your pharmacist /doctor-: Are there any medications that you, the patient would be less likely to take? Why is that? Are you worried? Do you think they are doing...