Hearing Loss is Tied to Heart Disease
Studies have shown that a healthy cardiovascular system - a person's heart, arteries and veins - has a positive effect on hearing. Conversely, inadequate blood flow and trauma to the inner ear blood vessels can contribute to hearing loss.

David R. Friedland, MD, PhD at the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee is quoted by the Better Hearing Institute saying, "The inner ear is so sensitive to blood flow that it is possible that abnormalities in the cardiovascular system could be noted here earlier than in other, less-sensitive body parts."

Friedland and fellow researchers concluded that patients with low-frequency hearing loss should be regarded as at risk for cardiovascular events and appropriate referrals should be considered.
In addition to cardiovascular health, research has associated hearing loss with numerous other physical, mental and emotional health conditions.

Because the jury is still out on exactly why there is a connection and which comes first, it behooves those age 50 and older to get their hearing tested as a routine part of their medical care.
Nola Aronson's Advanced Audiology is located in Valencia. 877-4555

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VA Benefits: Are You or your Loved Ones Eligible?
Did you know there are substantial benefits that may be available to wartime veterans and their spouses who are now senior citizens and are facing the burden of long-term care due to declining health? Millions of seniors may be eligible for these benefits, yet few vets realize that VA special pensions even exist, including the Aid and Attendance Pension.

Aid and Attendance, in particular, is a valuable benefit available to veterans who have served during wartime, whether or not they saw combat or were injured during their service. The benefit may provide up to $2,085 for a married veteran, up to $1,738 for a single veteran, or up to $1,130 for a surviving spouse - money that can be used to pay for home care or care in a facility that provides assistance with the activities of daily living.

There are asset and income requirements set by the VA in order to prove eligibility for this pension, however there is no specified income limit, a veteran's home and car are generally excluded, and there are other factors that VA caseworkers consider such as age/life expectancy and medical expenses in determining whether the veteran or surviving spouse is entitled to pension benefits.

There is, unfortunately, a very long and intensive application process that demands a great deal of documentation, and getting final approval for the benefit can take months. However, the good news is that the benefit is retroactive to the month after the application is submitted - so do not be discouraged!
Santa Clarita/Antelope Valley office of Home Instead Senior Care 254-8701