Did You Know That Your Hearing Can Affect Your Brain Health?
For good hearing and communication, you need to have good cognition and vice versa.
Warrior Hearing Center is pleased to announce that we take our patient’s brain health into account using Cognivue Thrive—a revolutionary rapid diagnostic tool for cognitive function.
Cognivue Thrive is a portable, self-administered, computerized screening device that measures cognitive function. Equipped with the same FDA-cleared technology that neurologists use, the five-minute test is simple and easy to use right at your audiology appointment.
Here are just some of the benefits from taking a Cognivue assessment:
- Test provides brain health score for very specific parameters
- Hearing is not required to complete the task, therefore poor or untreated hearing does not affect the results like many other cognitive screeners
- Uses segmented speedometer-style graphics to help illustrate where you stand
- Informs you with references to daily activities that might be affected
- Allows for a pre and post measurement of parameters including hearing loss treatment, implementing healthy choices, medical interventions prescribed by a physician, etc.
Research
In a study published in 2013, 2,000 older adults (average age: 77) were tracked for a period of six years. Those who began the study with the worst hearing loss – impairment bad enough to interfere with daily conversational ability – were 24% more likely to see a decline in cognitive ability compared to individuals with normal hearing. A similar study published in 2011 concluded that persons with moderate hearing loss were three times as likely to develop dementia. These figures are striking and hard to refute.
Correlation Between Hearing Loss & Dementia
Though the reason for the correlation isn’t completely understood, several theories exist. It may be that the increased cognitive load the brain experiences when trying to hear properly taxes the resources that would otherwise be available for memory and concentration. Alternatively, a decrease in the brain’s “gray matter” may lead to a shrinkage in brain cells and a resulting inability to process sound. Another factor may be the social isolation many individuals with hearing loss experience; this lack of socialization has been shown to accelerate cognitive decline and dementia.
Cognivue Thrive Experience
The Cognivue Thrive experience begins with a four-minute introductory video followed by series of tests measuring memory, executive function, visuospatial abilities, processing, and reaction time. Dr. Richbourg reviews the results and uses them in clinical decision making to set expectations, make referrals as appropriate and determine success. These results can also be passed to your primary care doctor or other health care provider.
For more info on the Cognivue Thrive, contact us today!
Research by Johns Hopkins University and others confirms what many audiologists and physicians have long feared: there is an irrefutable link between hearing loss and cognitive decline. Initial problems such as memory loss and an inability to concentrate can worsen over time. Left untreated, this may eventually lead to dementia and other forms of severe cognitive impairment.
Hearing Aids
Whatever the reason, one thing is clear: hearing aids can help. Studies show that patients who treat their hearing loss with hearing devices reduce their odds of cognitive decline and, at the very least, delay the onset of dementia. Early detection is key! If you experience hearing loss, it’s best to seek treatment as soon as possible to avoid mental deterioration. Even if you are unaware of a problem, schedule a hearing evaluation to make sure. Since symptoms develop slowly, many patients adjust to gradual changes in hearing without realizing there is anything wrong.
Call Warrior Hearing Center at (816) 592-3575 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
