Product of the Week: How can Livio AI Hearing Aids Help with Cognition and Hearing Loss?

There has been so much research on the topic of cognition and hearing loss. There is a lot more to learn about it, but here’s what we know so far:

• Adults who have hearing loss have more cases of cognitive decline than those with healthy hearing.
• Eldery individuals who have hearing loss are two to five times more likely to develop dementia than those with healthy hearing.
• For every 10 dB that was measured for an increase in hearing loss, there was also a 20% increased risk for developing dementia. 
• Based on public health tests, hearing loss can be a risk in cognitive decline.

Theories that are verified by science:

• Long term hearing loss might restrict the brain from accepting neural data. This is known as the “use-it-or-lose-it” theory. It indicates that it’s important to use sounds to stimulate your brain. 
• Those with hearing loss may stop socializing with others. There is a link between social isolation, depression and cognitive decline. It is believed that those who have hearing loss, are less prone to participate in social settings. This can lead to isolation and depression, which can lead to cognitive decline.     
• Listening and comprehending speech requires a lot of brain power, such as working memory. Since the brain is using so much energy to listen, the cognitive resources cannot be used in other areas. 

Hearing aid benefits:

• Stimulates the brain and transmits information from the ear to the brain.
• Encourages those with hearing loss to participate in life again, which will reduce their risks of depression and social isolation.
• Lower the cognitive effort that a person may need to listen to someone.
• A study showed that elderly adults who used hearing aids had a similar pace in cognitive decline as those with normal hearing. 

 
Benefits of Starkey's Livio AI Hearing Aids

Starkey’s Livio AI uses sensors and artificial intelligence to provide feedback on your cognitive health through the Brain Score feature. The score has three categories: Use Time, Engagement, and Active Listening. 

Use Time: This measures the amount of time the hearing aids are worn. This is essential because studies have shown that wearing hearing aids lowers the risks of cognitive decline that is linked to hearing loss.

Engagement: This measures the amount of time that is spent in settings where the user has conversations with other people, and streams phone calls. The majority of people who wear hearing aids claim that it helps them to participate in activities. 

Active Listening: This measures the different environments and social situations that are encountered throughout the day. The more variety of environments that you are in, the more developed your brain will be from each environment’s stimulation. 

The combined efforts of these goals will lead to a maximum Brain Score of 100. The Thrive Hearing app will keep the Brain Score history in order to show how you have progressed through time. 

If you, or a loved one, would be interested in a hearing aid trial of Starkey’s Livio AI, please contact us at Pure Sound Hearing Aids for a consultation. 

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