Can You Hear Me Now? Hearing Aids and Dementia
For those of you who do not like to wear your hearing aids, listen up. Several studies have found a causal connection between hearing loss and dementia.
The theory is that hearing loss deprives the brain of stimulation and causes social isolation. Both have been linked to cognitive decline.
Key Study Findings
One study, published in 2024, was conducted over 10 years in Southern Denmark. It consisted of 573,880 people who were 50 years of age and older. The study concluded that:
“People with hearing loss who were not using hearing aids were at considerably higher risk of dementia compared with people with hearing loss who used hearing aids.”
Wearing well-fitted hearing aids can, the study suggested, prevent or delay the onset and progression of dementia. Users could reduce their chances of having dementia by as much as 7%.
That is a significant conclusion, and one that should be taken to heart. If you could reduce your risk of dementia by doing something as simple as wearing hearing aids, then why wouldn’t you?
For those who want to review the study in depth, you can find it here. Many thanks to my doctor, Kyle Gummelt, D.O., M.P.H., F.A.C.P., for alerting me to this important topic.
Social Security Updates: AI Chatbots and Paper Check Discontinuation
Glory be, the Social Security Administration is becoming almost user-friendly. It introduced an AI-chatbot that now answers calls to the national 1-800 number and regional office lines. It also implemented a system that reroutes some local calls to field offices with lower call volumes.
The Social Security Administration has also launched an optional Security Authentication PIN to speed up identity verification for people with online accounts.
Important: Starting September 30, 2025, paper benefit checks will be discontinued. Your alternatives are direct deposit or the federal Direct Express prepaid card. Pay attention so you do not miss a payment.
Medicare Advantage Plans: Don’t Miss Your Benefits
On a slightly less-friendly note, a rule that would have made Medicare Advantage plans notify their members about unused supplemental benefits has been delayed.
You can work around this by taking a moment to log in to your plan and refresh your memory about your benefits. Some Advantage plans sold users on extra benefits for services like vision and dental, and then sneakily never mentioned them again.
If you have an Advantage plan, you should avail yourself of the benefits. You are, after all, paying for them whether you use them or not.
Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): Smart Giving for Seniors
No update would be complete without a blurb on taxes. If you are inclined to make charitable contributions, then you need to look at “qualified charitable distributions,” called QCDs.
The rules for them did not change, but because of the tax effects of The One Big Beautiful Bill, QCDs are suddenly very attractive.
What is a QCD?
A QCD is a donation made directly to your charity from your traditional IRA. The IRS recently simplified the rules for tax reporting these donations, which should make it easier to claim them.
Why QCDs Are Beneficial
Making a QCD is the best of all worlds:
- No tax was paid on the funds when they went into your IRA.
- No tax is due on the growth.
- No tax is owed when the donation is made to the charity.
- You get a tax break because when the taxable portion drops, it reduces your owner’s adjusted gross income (“AGI”). Since many tax breaks are tied to your AGI, this could make you eligible for even bigger savings.
Now that was worth hearing.
Protect Your Health and Finances
At Hammerle Morris Law Firm, we understand that navigating senior health updates, Social Security, Medicare benefits, and tax-smart giving can be complex. Staying informed helps protect your health, finances, and peace of mind.
Whether it’s hearing aids, Social Security, Medicare, or charitable giving, Hammerle Morris can guide you to make smart, informed decisions for your best interest. Schedule a consultation today to review your situation and ensure your decisions are handled correctly.
Virginia Hammerle is an accredited estate planner and represents clients in estate planning, probate, guardianship, and contested litigation. She may be reached at legaltalktexas@hammerle.com. This blog contains general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
