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Hearing loss is the leading theoretically modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia later in life. According to a study conducted by Dr. Frank Lin, an otolaryngology professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, dementia increases as the severity of an untreated hearing loss increases, with a fivefold increased risk of dementia if the untreated hearing loss is severe.
Based on this evidence, it's evident that your hearing loss may be affecting your cognitive performance. Most individuals are unaware, however, that not only may hearing loss affect cognitive performance, but that cognitive function can also affect hearing.
Hearing necessitates two different types of processing. Bottom-up processing, in which your cochlea sends information up to your brain. Top-down processing, where the brain sends information down to your cochlea. This top-down processing necessitates cognitive work, and elements like attention, listening effort, and memory all impact your capacity to hear, particularly in complex listening scenarios.
Because hearing loss, cognitive decline, and dementia are all so tightly linked at this stage, you could argue that having an audiologist check your cognitive abilities at the same time as they test your hearing makes a lot of sense.
That's why I use the Cognivue Thrive system to check the cognitive abilities of my patients.
The Cognivue Thrive system employs FDA-approved technology similar to a neurologists' assessment of cognitive function. We can assess three aspects of cognitive performance using the five-minute self-administered computerized screening:
It can also evaluate two speed performance parameters:
The only interaction you have with the device is spinning the cogwheel to perform various tasks. You'll be given a score for each of the five domains tested once you've completed the screening.
How does this technology improve the hearing treatment experience?
Now, while all of these things are great, there are a few things you should be aware of when utilizing Cognivue for cognitive screening.
Our audiology practice in Phoenix, Arizona offers Cognitive Screening to people in the Phx metro area. If you are interested in Cognivue screening, contact our practice to schedule an appointment with one of our top-rated audiologists.
If you suspect you may have hearing loss, and do not reside in the Phoenix metro area, I strongly advise you to contact a Cognivue Thrive provider to have your hearing tested, and your cognition screened. Simply go to EarBrain.com and search your local area to view a list of all the Cognivue Thrive providers in your area.