Cognitive Screening
A Crucial Step for Early Detection of Cognitive Decline
Maintaining your hearing health is essential for overall well-being. A decade-long study by Dr. Frank Lin highlights that individuals with mild, moderate, or severe hearing loss might have up to a fivefold increased risk of developing dementia.
This connection between hearing loss and cognitive decline gives audiologists substantial reasons for concern.
For over 15 years, our mission has been to help patients and their families live richer, more independent lives by combining expertise with state-of-the-art technology.
One of the most exciting tools in this endeavor is Cognivue Screening, a breakthrough technology for the early detection of cognitive decline.
Schedule Your Cognitive Screening Appointment
Understanding the Link Between Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline
Several theories explain why hearing loss and cognitive decline often go hand in hand. The American Academy of Neurology has established four classifications that outline how untreated hearing loss can lead to dementia:
#1. Common Risk Factors.
Age is the most significant common risk factor, but other factors like high blood pressure, heart disease, and diabetes often coexist with hearing loss. These conditions affect the small blood vessels that nourish the cochlea, contributing to both hearing loss and cognitive decline.
#2. Mental Overload.
Untreated hearing loss can overload the brain’s auditory pathways, forcing areas involved in memory and thinking to compensate. This redirection of resources away from cognitive functions may accelerate cognitive decline.
#3. Structural Changes.
Reduced sound stimulation causes parts of the brain responsible for processing sound to atrophy or shrink, leading to structural changes that impact cognitive health.
#4. Social Isolation.
Hearing loss often leads to social withdrawal due to the stress of struggling to follow conversations, particularly in noisy settings. A University of British Columbia study found that every 10-decibel drop in hearing resulted in a 52 percent increase in social isolation.
What Is Cognitive Screening, And Why Is It Important?
A long-term study published in the Journals of Gerontology identified a significant connection between hearing loss and dementia. The study shows that older adults with untreated hearing loss were more likely to experience cognitive decline, while those using hearing aids or without diagnosed hearing impairment had much better cognitive outcomes.
Cognitive testing using Cognivue Clarity™ and Cognivue Thrive™ helps to identify and manage cognitive decline.
These advanced tools also play a vital role in developing effective hearing care plans and selecting the right hearing aids.
Cognivue Clarity™ and Thrive™: Advanced Cognitive Screening Tools
Cognivue Thrive™ provides a personalized, consistent, and reliable assessment of overall brain health. It measures cognitive function and establishes a baseline score, which you and your hearing care provider can use to monitor and detect changes over time.
Cognivue Clarity™ goes a step further by providing an in-depth evaluation of cognitive function. It is designed to identify specific areas of cognitive concern, such as memory, spatial awareness, and executive function, which may be impacted by hearing loss.
Key Features of Cognivue Clarity™ and Thrive™:
- Quick Assessments: Both tests take approximately 10 minutes to complete.
- Noninvasive: Comfortable, easy, and stress-free.
- Interactive and Intuitive: Designed to adapt to the patient’s responses in real time.
- Self-Administered: Allows patients to complete the test independently.
- Immediate Results: Results are available instantly after testing, enabling prompt discussions and planning.
These tests use unique software algorithms that eliminate variability and inaccuracy, making them reliable tools for detecting and managing cognitive decline.
What Do Cognitive Screening Results Show?
The results from cognitive screening tests help you and your healthcare provider identify potential conditions contributing to cognitive decline, such as hearing loss. This enables you to develop an actionable plan to limit further decline.
- Scores above 75 indicate normal cognitive function.
- Scores between 51 and 74 suggest mild cognitive impairment, where some minor interventions may be necessary.
- Scores of 50 or below indicate significant cognitive impairment, requiring urgent action to prevent further decline.
Schedule Your Cognitive Screening at South Sound Audiology
South Sound Audiology is committed to enhancing your hearing and overall quality of life. Our comprehensive cognitive screening services, powered by Cognivue Thrive™ and Clarity™, allow us to provide the highest standard of care and to support early intervention for cognitive decline.
If you or a loved one is experiencing memory problems, decision-making difficulties, trouble organizing tasks, or other signs of cognitive decline, contact our hearing care experts today. Schedule your cognitive screening by submitting the form on this page or calling us directly.
