GN announces new LISTEN TO THIS masterclass video series on the link between hearing and brain health

GN News

Nov 12, 2024

First-of-its-kind masterclass video series equips hearing care professionals (HCPs) with the latest information and practical tools to address the critical connection between hearing health and brain health with their patients.
In collaboration with world-renowned experts, the nine-part series is free of charge and designed to empower HCPs to advocate for the importance of hearing health in a holistic approach.

BALLERUP, Denmark – November 12, 2024 – GN, the global leader in intelligent hearing, audio, video and gaming solutions, and its partners announce today the launch of the LISTEN TO THIS masterclass video series. This educational initiative is designed to empower hearing care professionals (HCPs) with essential insights into the critical interplay between hearing health, brain health and overall quality of life.

The LISTEN TO THIS masterclass series addresses the urgent need for greater awareness of the link between hearing health and brain health. Recent studies have identified hearing loss as a potentially modifiable risk factor for the development of dementia and suggest that hearing aids could slow down cognitive decline by up to half in individuals at increased risk.1,2 However, translating these findings into practical, real-world applications remains challenging. The series delves into the latest research providing HCPs with cutting-edge insights and practical strategies to incorporate this knowledge into their practice and counsel patients on the positive benefits of hearing care.

Each module is crafted and presented by leading experts in the field, like board-certified neurologist Dr. Anitha Rao and otologic surgeon and epidemiologist Dr. Frank Lin, ensuring that the content is applicable in real-world clinical settings. The series includes nine on-demand videos which concisely yet comprehensively cover topics such as the importance of hearing care, the impact of hearing loss on brain physiology, and cognitive screening in audiology.

“This is the first time an educational resource of this standard has been made available specifically for the audiology community, and marks a significant milestone in our commitment to the advancement of audiology and hearing healthcare,” explains Scott Davis, Hearing Division President at GN. “By leveraging the expertise of world-renowned specialists, we are pioneering a new approach to understanding the connections between hearing loss and broader brain health. Our goal is to facilitate meaningful conversations about integrating hearing care with overall health strategies.”

"The relationship between hearing and brain health represents one of the most promising frontiers in preventive neurology," says Dr. Rao. "Research shows that addressing hearing loss, along with other modifiable risk factors, could potentially reduce cognitive decline and dementia risk by up to half in high-risk individuals, making hearing care professionals critical partners in brain health preservation. This Masterclass series bridges an important knowledge gap by providing evidence-based tools for hearing care professionals to identify cognitive concerns early and engage in meaningful conversations about brain health with their patients."

Launched earlier this year, LISTEN TO THIS is a global initiative aiming to ensure hearing health is recognized as an important factor in good cognitive health and overall wellbeing. In an unprecedented collaborative effort, leading public and private organizations, including UsAgainstAlzheimer's and the National Acoustics Laboratories (NAL), have united with a common goal and this masterclass series is an important step in the right direction.

The LISTEN TO THIS Masterclass series is available for free now at https://goto.listentothis.com. Once HCPs complete all the modules, they will gain access to accompanying informational brochures and posters to use in their practices with their patient

References

1. Livingston G, Huntley J, et al. Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2020 report of the Lancet Commission. The lancet. 2020 Aug 8;396(10248):413-46.

2. Lin FR, Pike JR, et al. Hearing intervention versus health education control to reduce cognitive decline in older adults with hearing loss in the USA (ACHIEVE): a multicentre, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet. 2023 Sep 2;402(10404):786-97.

For further information, please contact:

Press and the media

Aysel Cengiz Director, Global PR & Communications Tel: +45 28 94 18 21

Steen Frentz Laursen Vice President, Corporate Communications Tel: +45 45 75 07 21

Investors and analysts

Rune Sandager Head of Investor Relations Tel: +45 45 75 92 57

NOTES TO EDITORS

About GN

GN brings people closer through our leading intelligent hearing, audio, video, and gaming solutions. Inspired by people and driven by innovation, we deliver technologies that enhance the senses of hearing and sight. We help people with hearing loss overcome real-life challenges, improve communication and collaboration for businesses, and provide great experiences for audio and gaming enthusiasts.

GN was founded more than 150 years ago with a vision to connect the world. Today, inspired by our strong heritage, GN touches more lives than ever with our unique expertise and the broadest portfolio of products and services in our history – bringing people closer to what is important to them. We market our solutions with the brands Jabra, ReSound, SteelSeries, Beltone, Interton, BlueParrott, Danavox, and FalCom in 100 countries. Founded in 1869, GN Group employs more than 7,000 people and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (GN.CO). Visit our homepage GN.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

About National Acoustic Laboratories

For over 75 years, National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) has been leading the world in hearing research and evidence-based innovation to improve hearing health and transform the lives of people with hearing difficulties. NAL collaborates with organisations around the world to innovate on novel solutions to hearing health services and technology, conduct sophisticated validation trials on treatment benefit, and provide insight into the needs of people with hearing loss and clinicians who treat them. NAL’s research findings are published in leading peer-reviewed journals and NAL’s solutions are used worldwide.

About UsAgainstAlzheimer’s

UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is engaged in a relentless pursuit to end Alzheimer’s, the sixth leading killer in America. Our work centers on prevention, early detection and diagnosis, and access to treatments – all regardless of gender, race, or ethnicity. To achieve our mission, we give voice to patients and caregivers while partnering with government, scientists, the private sector, and allied organizations -- the people who put the “Us” in UsAgainstAlzheimer’s.

Visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.