An Investigation of the Potential Relationship Between Hearing Loss and Alzheimer\u27s Disease

Currently Alzheimer\u27s disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States, a statistic anticipated to increase as the elderly population continues to rise. Therefore, finding either preventative measures or better yet a cure should be a research priority. Currently, studies are suggesting a potential relationship between hearing loss and dementia/Alzheimer\u27s disease (Lin, Metter, O\u27Brien, Resnick, Zonderman, & Ferrucci, 2011). For this reason, this study looked at the clinical measures licensed audiologists were routinely using, which may be reflective on their knowledge regarding this topic. Hence, the purpose of this study was to examine the degree and type of knowledge licensed audiologists in the states of Ohio and Florida have regarding the potential relationship between hearing loss and Alzheimer\u27s disease. In order to investigate this relationship, an electronic survey was distributed to licensed audiologists in these two states via email. A total of 210 responses were received and subjected to analysis. The completed Independent Study reflects results, discussion, and future research recommendations