Healthy Hearing, Healthy Mind: The Benefits of Cognivue for Early Intervention

Dementia is a general term for several conditions that affect memory, cognition, and the ability to carry out daily activities. It primarily affects individuals aged 65 and older, with an estimated 55 billion people worldwide living with dementia. The prevalence of dementia is projected to double every twenty year and it can negatively impact patients physically, negatively, and emotionally.

There are several risk factors correlated with dementia, including hypertension, diabetes, lack of physical activity, low social engagement, and high alcohol consumption. A surprising fact for many patients is that a main risk factor is hearing loss. Research studies have shown that there is a 42% increased risk of dementia in patients with untreated hearing loss. Thus, early intervention is key in identifying risk factors to take action sooner rather than later.

To provide a holistic approach for our patients, we use Cognivue, a groundbreaking technology used to assess brain function. On top of an extensive audiological evaluation, Cognivue is an essential tool to evaluate patients. In our practice, we make use of the Cognivue Thrive, a self-administered cognitive screening that takes about five minutes to complete following a hearing test. The technology of Cognivue provides us with specific data points based on the patient’s visual and motor skills. We use these data points to create a tailored care plan for each patient. Cognivue allows to better explain the connections between hearing loss and brain activity, the negative impact of hearing loss on cognition, and encourage patients to act on their hearing health sooner.

As hearing health professionals, it is our job not only to keep our patient well-informed on the risk factors, but also to provide them with the solutions. Thanks to the ever-advancing and innovative technology both from hearing aids and Cognivue, we are able to incorporate both hearing and cognitive aspects into the process. As a result, we can educate patients on how the use of hearing aids will address these issues- through significantly improving hearing, they will benefit overall cognitive health and quality of life.