Insider Update

The eyes might be the window to the soul, but the ears are the level to the entire body. Hearing loss can increase the risk of falling as we age, but Amplifon¹ can help.

They have developed a program for Delta Dental members to specifically address members with high fall risk, including practical education that motivates members and adds to hearing health and balance awareness.
 

Ears aren’t just for hearing

They help us balance, too. According to Carrie Meyer, Au.D., Director of Clinical Programs and audiologist at Amplifon, our ability to remain upright and move in space relies on multiple sensory inputs:
 

• Eyes: Vision orients our bodies in space and gives us our sense of movement.
• Hips, knees and ankles: Proprioceptors, sensory nerve endings in our feet and legs, signal to the brain our body’s position relative to the ground.
• Ears: Hearing provides location even in the dark (echolocation). The vestibular system (our inner ear) acts as an internal level.
   

Why focus on hearing when addressing falls?

Because it’s connected to how we move. Carrie Meyer used the term “cognitive loading,” which happens when we become overly reliant on one sense because others are impaired.

As we age and experience more cognitive load due to reduced input from our eyes, ears, muscles and joints, there is an increased risk of falling, according to the Amplifon Falls Prevention Solution report.
 

How Delta Dental supports members’ hearing

Delta Dental’s partnership with Amplifon Hearing Health Care supports members with savings on hearing care, hearing aids and complimentary follow-up care from their nationwide network of over 8,800 provider locations. Plus, Delta Dental members enjoy:
 

• Broad choice and the latest technology from the leading hearing aid brands.
• A 60-day risk-free trial with a 100% money-back guarantee if you're not completely satisfied with your hearing aids — no return or restocking fees.
• Comprehensive service program, including one year of unlimited follow-up care from a participating Amplifon provider, two years of free batteries or a charging station and a three-year warranty for loss, repairs or damage.²

Remind your clients that they have access to Amplifon as part of their Delta Dental member perks. Members can take advantage of hearing discounts and other exclusive offers and resources to help keep them healthy.