Dementia hearing test
Hearing Test for Dementia Patients: Catching Dementia Early-on
Hearing loss is an important risk factor when it comes to risk of developing dementia. People who develop hearing loss or face a gradual decline in their hearing abilities have a greater chance of developing dementia. There is a strong link between untreated hearing loss and Alzheimer’s. Though the exact reason is still unknown, deafness and dementia are linked as loss of hearing often leads to social isolation, impaired communication, and depression – all significant contributors to dementia risk.
Can hearing aids reverse dementia? Several studies have shown that the use of hearing aids can significantly reduce the risk of cognitive decline by up to 50%. It is quite likely that someone with hearing impairment can mistakenly be diagnosed with dementia and when their hearing improves, their “dementia” resolves.
Dementia Risk through Hearing Assessment
Hearing tests for dementia do not exist in this specific manner. Rather we have hearing tests that can identify impairments which may be contributing to one’s risk of developing dementia in the future. Therefore, people who are diagnosed with dementia or people with a mild decline in their cognitive abilities are asked to undergo an auditory test.
Cognitive assessments that use primarily verbal cueing and questions can misdiagnose individuals with cognitive impairment when they may actually have only a specific hearing impairment. Appropriate cognitive tests will take this into account and include questions that have both verbal and written formats to try to be more inclusive. This practice can actually distinguish someone with true cognitive impairment or dementia from someone with just hearing loss or impairment.
How is Hearing Loss Tested?
Before proceeding to testing a person with hearing loss for dementia, it is important to perform the right assessment of their hearing. This includes several types of testing, but the most accurate and advanced methods use an instrument used to measure hearing ability. An auditory screening is an examination to determine one’s level of normal hearing. One can then get a more comprehensive hearing assessment if the results of your screening test indicate possible problems.
Your level of hearing loss — mild, moderate, or severe — is determined by audiometry testing. A hearing test will determine a person at risk of hearing loss which can then be used to help manage the hearing loss to reduce future dementia risk. Since the symptoms of hearing loss and dementia may often overlap, it is important to rule out the reasons behind cognitive decline before proceeding with any treatment options.
What Are Different Types of Hearing Tests?
When it comes to identifying the type and extent of hearing loss or further proceeding with dementia tests due to impaired hearing, there are several options available. These various types of hearing tests are performed using basic to advanced methods. Performing an early hearing test in adulthood when one feels a mild drop in their hearing ability can help enable further preventive measures. Since a significant percentage of individuals with dementia have an element of hearing loss, a timely diagnosis and early treatment can help deter dementia for many individuals.
| Pure-tone testing: | This popular hearing test determines the lowest sound level per pitch. Both adults and children are often tested using pure tones. |
| Bone conduction testing: | This examination determines whether the microscopic hair cells in your cochlea are malfunctioning. The portion of your inner ear that transmits vibrations to your auditory nerve and ultimately to the area of your brain responsible for hearing is called the cochlea. |
| Speech testing: | This type of hearing examination may be performed on adults and some children as well. Listening to and repeating specific words are part of the speech test process. The exam demonstrates your comprehension of speech. |
| ABR Testing: | The auditory brainstem response (ABR) test examines the neural pathways that connect your brain to your inner ear. This test can be used by audiologists to assess hearing in children and those who are unable to complete pure-tone assessments. This test might also be used on patients who have had brain injuries (a major risk factor for dementia) that impair their hearing. |
| Otoacoustic emissions (OAE): | This test is used by audiologists to assess inner ear function. This exam is usually administered to infants and young children. |
| Tympanometry: | This examination measures the eardrum's range of motion. To determine whether you have wax in your ear canal, middle ear fluid, or a burst eardrum, audiologists may perform tympanometry testing. |
Hearing Examination Costs
Reducing the risk of dementia is our primary goal here at Deter Dementia. We at Deter Dementia focus on factors that can significantly decrease your risk of developing dementia. This includes regular health screening and thorough clinical assessments. Since we highly emphasize the importance of an early diagnosis, dementia risk can certainly be reduced if genetic testing or hearing tests are performed early on in one’s life.
We encourage all those interested in reducing their longterm dementia risk to get their hearing assessed on a regular basis from a qualified professional. Improving our hearing is one of the ways we can all continue to Prevent, Preserve, and Prosper.
