What Are Other Risk Factors For Dementia?

When hearing gets hard, life often gets quieter—and not in a good way. We dig into how untreated hearing loss can push people away from conversations, fuel social isolation, and quietly increase the risk of cognitive decline and dementia. With Dr. Jill Copley, we connect the dots between mood, memory, and hearing, showing how small changes in daily habits and early audiology care can shift the trajectory of brain health.

We unpack the subtle overlap between depression and cognitive decline—why symptoms can look similar and how proper evaluation can separate them so the right treatment is used. From there, we focus on what keeps the mind resilient: real conversations that demand attention and response, activities that require planning and explanation, and lifelong learning that builds cognitive reserve. You will hear practical guidance on staying socially engaged, choosing environments that support better listening, and using hearing technology and communication strategies to reenter the flow of group life.

This is a grounded, hopeful guide to protecting brain health through better hearing. Expect actionable ideas, from scheduling a hearing evaluation to joining discussion-based groups and making daily “brain workouts” part of your routine. If you or someone you love is stepping back from social life because listening is hard, this conversation offers a clear path forward—one rooted in evidence and everyday steps you can take now.

If you found this helpful, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs it, and leave a quick review to help others discover these insights.

To learn more about Total Hearing Care visit:
https://www.TotalHearingCare.com

Total Hearing Care
Multiple Locations Across the DFW Metroplex
(469) 809-4487

How Does Hearing Loss Plays A Role In Dementia?

Dementia doesn’t appear in a single moment; it builds quietly through years of strain on the brain and the blood vessels that feed it. We unpack how modifiable risks—especially hearing loss, hypertension, obesity, cholesterol, smoking, and traumatic brain injury—set the stage for both Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. With a clear, practical lens, we connect the biology of tau and amyloid protein changes to everyday habits that shape blood flow, inflammation, and cognitive reserve.

We start by explaining the two most common forms of dementia and why they overlap in surprising ways. From there, we explore why untreated hearing loss is a top modifiable risk: the brain works harder to decode speech, social life shrinks, and cognitive load rises. Then we dive into vascular health—how high blood pressure, extra weight, and lipid buildup narrow vessels, reduce oxygen delivery, and increase the odds of mini strokes that erode attention, language, and memory. We tackle smoking’s double hit on the brain and cardiovascular system, and we bring clarity to traumatic brain injury, separating mild, isolated concussions from repeated or severe injuries that change brain structure over time.

Throughout, we offer actionable steps: schedule a hearing evaluation, treat hypertension and cholesterol, move more, improve diet quality, quit smoking with proven supports, and get serious about recovery after head impacts. Whether you’re protecting your own cognition or supporting a loved one, these choices build a sturdier foundation for long-term brain health.

Ready to turn insight into action? If you’re in the DFW Metroplex, call 469 809 4487 or visit totalhearingcare dot com to book an appointment. Subscribe, share this episode with someone who needs it, and leave a review to help more people protect their hearing and their minds.

To learn more about Total Hearing Care visit:
https://www.TotalHearingCare.com

Total Hearing Care
Multiple Locations Across the DFW Metroplex
(469) 809-4487

How Do You Manage Earwax?

Your ear is trying to protect you—then a hearing aid shows up and the wax response kicks into high gear. We unpack that tug-of-war and share a clear plan to keep sound crisp without risking your ears or your devices. In this episode, Dr. Jill Copley maps out the practical routines that make the biggest difference: what to wipe daily, what to clean weekly, and how to spot a clogged dome or filter before it ruins your day.

We break down the small components that matter most—domes, wax guards, receivers, and microphone ports—and explain exactly how to brush, swap, and inspect them. You’ll learn why some people naturally produce more earwax, how body chemistry and narrow canals raise the stakes, and which signs tell you it’s time to clean now rather than wait. For heavy producers, we cover safe at-home strategies like gentle irrigation and wax-softening drops, plus the red flags that mean you should skip DIY and see a professional.

We also talk visit cadence and support: quick front-office cleanings for tricky small parts, deeper checks every two to three months, and tailored schedules for those who need more frequent wax removal. By aligning ear care with device care, you’ll prevent clogs, reduce muffled sound, and stretch the life of your hearing aids. Ready to hear more clearly with less hassle? Follow the show, share this episode with someone who wears hearing aids, and leave a review to tell us your top ear care tip.

To learn more about Total Hearing Care visit:
https://www.TotalHearingCare.com

Total Hearing Care
Multiple Locations Across the DFW Metroplex
(469) 809-4487

What Are Some Common Auditory Issues That Get Referred To A Physician?

When should an audiologist send you to a physician, and what happens next? We dive into two middle ear conditions that often sit at the crossroads between audiology and surgical care: otosclerosis and cholesteatoma. One tends to move slowly and allows space for thoughtful decisions; the other can quietly erode tissue and demands swift action. By the end, you’ll understand the warning signs, the tests that raise red flags, and the treatment paths that protect your hearing and your health.

We unpack otosclerosis first: how a hereditary change in the stapes bone leads to gradual hearing loss, what patterns audiologists look for on the audiogram, and why surgeons may wait until the benefit-risk balance is right. You’ll hear a clear explanation of stapedectomy, including prosthetic replacement, expected outcomes, recurrence risk, and when hearing aids remain a smart option. It’s a practical, plain‑spoken guide to making a confident decision with the support of an experienced ENT or otologist.

Then we turn to cholesteatoma, an abnormal skin growth that can invade the middle ear and mastoid. We explain why it’s dangerous, how it damages bone and the eardrum, and why prompt surgical removal is essential. We talk through hearing changes after surgery, the importance of long‑term monitoring, and why there’s no proven prevention beyond good ear health and timely care. Throughout the conversation, we show how audiologists and physicians collaborate to safeguard your hearing with accurate diagnosis, timely referral, and realistic expectations.

If you’re in the DFW area and want expert guidance on hearing loss, tinnitus, or middle ear issues, we’re here to help. Subscribe, share this with someone who’s concerned about their hearing, and leave a review to tell us what you want us to explore next.

To learn more about Total Hearing Care visit:
https://www.TotalHearingCare.com

Total Hearing Care
Multiple Locations Across the DFW Metroplex
(469) 809-4487

Let’s Learn About Earwax 101

Think earwax is just gunk to wipe away? We break down the surprising science behind this natural defense system and share practical ways to keep your ears clear without risking irritation, impaction, or hearing loss. With Dr. Jill Copley in the studio, we unpack why some people produce dry, flaky wax and others battle sticky buildup, how ear hair and canal shape affect clearance, and what that “underwater” feeling might really mean.

We get specific about home care: when warm water irrigation can help, how hydrogen peroxide drops soften wax, and why daily use of drying solutions can backfire by making wax tougher over time. We explain exactly when to skip DIY methods—like if you have a perforated eardrum, ear tubes, or a history of ear surgery—and why professional removal from an audiologist or ENT is the safer route for narrow canals or recurring blockages. You’ll also hear why ear candling is a myth with messy side effects, and how Q-tips often push wax deeper rather than pulling it out.

From quick fixes after a haircut to setting a monthly maintenance cadence, we share a balanced plan to protect your hearing, prevent impaction, and keep the canal’s self-cleaning process on your side. Clear hearing supports better communication and a calmer mind, and small changes in ear care can make a big difference. If this helped you rethink your routine, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves their Q-tips a little too much, and leave a review with your biggest ear-care question.

To learn more about Total Hearing Care visit:
https://www.TotalHearingCare.com

Total Hearing Care
Multiple Locations Across the DFW Metroplex
(469) 809-4487

What Are Some Common Auditory Issues That Get Referred To A Physician?

Your ear shouldn’t roar, spin, or suddenly go quiet—and when it does, minutes matter. We break down the exact signs that a hearing or balance problem needs a physician, not just a tune-up, and share how fast action can protect your long-term hearing and health.

We start by clarifying where audiologists shine—testing, diagnosing hearing patterns, spotting middle ear problems—and where medical partners must step in. You’ll hear why dizziness and vertigo are never “normal,” how Meniere’s disease, labyrinthitis, and even medications can trigger spinning and nausea, and what a roaring, unilateral tinnitus might be telling you. We explain asymmetry between ears, the patterns that look like age-related loss, and the red flags that point to inner ear or nerve involvement requiring ENT, otologist, or neurotologist care.

Then we tackle urgent scenarios: sudden hearing loss and the 24–48 hour treatment window. We outline what to do first, why steroids—oral or injected—are time-sensitive, and how to distinguish a wax blockage from a true sensorineural emergency. We also touch on potential neurological signs, from subtle stroke near auditory pathways to cognitive changes that show up in testing, and why collaboration with physicians ensures a complete workup. For families, we contrast common childhood ear infections and adenoid issues with adult-onset vestibular disorders that can appear at any age.

If you’ve noticed dizzy spells, one ear lagging behind, or tinnitus that roars on one side, don’t wait. Press play to learn when to call your doctor, request an ENT referral, or head to urgent care. If you’re in the DFW Metroplex, book an appointment at Total Hearing Care so we can help you hear better—and live better. Subscribe, share with someone who needs this clarity, and leave a review to help others find the show.

To learn more about Total Hearing Care visit:
https://www.TotalHearingCare.com

Total Hearing Care
Multiple Locations Across the DFW Metroplex
(469) 809-4487

What Are Custom Ear Molds, And Who Needs Them?

The sounds you love shouldn’t cost you the hearing you need. We sit down with Dr. Jill Copley to unpack the world of custom ear molds—what they are, how they’re made, and why they can transform comfort and protection for everyday life. From curvy ear canals and slipping hearing aids to roaring concerts, noisy work sites, pool days, and sleepless nights, we map the right solution to the right problem so you can hear smarter, not louder.

We start with the impression process and demystify the materials, fit checks, and common adjustments that make a custom mold feel invisible while sealing out leaks. Then we dive into real use cases: swim molds that float for kids with ear tubes or anyone prone to infections; filtered musician plugs that preserve tone while lowering volume evenly; solid industrial plugs for heavy noise; discreet sleep molds that soften snores without overfilling the ear; and custom earpieces that stabilize hearing aids and reduce feedback. Along the way, Dr. Copley shares practical guidance on comfort, duration of use, and why a great seal encourages consistent wear.

If you’ve ever found foam plugs itchy, muffled, or unreliable, this conversation offers a clear path forward. You’ll learn when to choose filters over solid plugs, why you might need different molds for sleep and concerts, and how a professional fitting protects long-term hearing health. Ready to upgrade your protection and comfort? Subscribe, share with a friend who needs safer sound, and leave a review to tell us where custom molds could help you most.

To learn more about Total Hearing Care visit:
https://www.TotalHearingCare.com

Total Hearing Care
Multiple Locations Across the DFW Metroplex
(469) 809-4487

How Does Noise Exposure Affect Hearing Over Time?

Your ears remember every loud moment, even when you don’t. We sit down with Dr. Jill Copley to unpack how everyday noise—concerts, stadiums, power tools, and sudden blasts—silently chips away at hearing and why prevention is the most powerful tool you have. From OSHA’s adult exposure limits to the lower safe levels for children, we sort out what the numbers really mean and why some people experience damage even at so-called safe volumes.

Together, we map the physical story inside the ear: hair cells pushed beyond their bending point, synapses fraying under metabolic stress, and subtle changes that standard tests can miss. Tinnitus takes center stage as an early warning sign—often showing up after a lively night out or a loud workday—long before clarity fades in conversation. You’ll hear how teens are already showing mild shifts at certain frequencies due to loud music and high-energy venues, and why impulse sounds like gunshots and fireworks can cause harm in a single instant.

Most importantly, we get practical. Learn how to turn risky environments into safer ones with foam plugs, musician filters, and over-ear muffs; how distance and time can slash exposure; and why building the simple habit of carrying earplugs can protect decades of hearing. Whether you work around machinery, love live shows, or just want sharper listening in noisy rooms, this guide gives you the know-how to reduce risk without giving up the sounds you love.

If you found value here, follow the show, share it with a friend who loves concerts, and leave a quick review to help others protect their hearing. Got a question or a story about noise and your ears? Send it our way—we’d love to hear it.

To learn more about Total Hearing Care visit:
https://www.TotalHearingCare.com

Total Hearing Care
Multiple Locations Across the DFW Metroplex
(469) 809-4487