On February 1, 2025, Dr. Catherine Johnson from the School of Communication Science and Disorders (SCSD) spoke at the 26th Annual Southeastern Regional Sertoma Conference. Sertoma is an organization dedicated to improving hearing health. 

Johnson’s talk emphasized the connection between hearing, brain health, and quality of life as we age. Her presentation, titled “Healthy Hearing and Healthy Aging,” focused on how hearing loss affects a person’s quality of life and communication with friends and family. It explored the relationship between the cardiovascular system, hearing, and cognition. The discussion also covered hearing loss and aging, as well as strategies to enhance quality of life through healthy habits and amplification.

“It was a wonderful experience as many members discussed how they wanted to take this information back to their communities and local members so that the people they assist have better resources and education about hearing loss and its effects,” said Johnson.

Many Sertoma members spoke with her afterward, eager to learn more about amplification, specifically hearing aids and cochlear implants, not only for themselves but also for the children and communities they support. “Many expressed their gratitude for the information as they did not realize the connection of different systems (like the cardiovascular system) and blood flow can affect the hearing and other systems,” said Johnson.