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20Q: Hearing Loss & Dementia - Highlights from Key Research

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1.  By 2060, how many Americans are expected to have hearing loss? 38 million 55 million 60 million 74 million

2.  Which of the following statements is true regarding hearing loss and public health? hearing loss is not considered to be a public health issue since it is not an infectious disease. hearing loss plays a role in healthy aging as it defines how people interact with their environment, and given the growing number of aged persons it is considered a public health issue. hearing loss is a public health issue because it causes dementia. hearing loss is not a public health issue since there is no research indicating that hearing loss has adverse effects.

3.  The Cochlear Center for Hearing and Public Health at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health has studied which of the following? the association between hearing loss and cognitive decline hearing care access, hearing loss, and healthcare spending the association between hearing loss and depression all of the above

4.  Which of the following is an accurate definition of dementia? Major decline in one or more cognitive domains that interferes with independence in daily activities. Any change in one specific cognitive domain (e.g., processing speech, executive function, working memory, language, complex attention). Cognitive deficits associated with one or more mental disorders. A neurodevelopmental disorder that peaks in old age.

5.  Which criterion differentiates a mild cognitive impairment from dementia? IQ Independence in daily activities Self-awareness of deficits Mental state including agitation

6.  Which of the following statements is most accurate in regard to the relationship between hearing loss and dementia based on existing studies to date? Dementia causes hearing loss Hearing loss causes dementia There is no relationship between hearing loss and dementia There is an association between hearing loss and dementia

7.  Hearing loss is associated with which factor that is a strong predictor of dementia and cognitive decline? IQ Social isolation Poor nutrition Mental illness

8.  Which of the following statements is most accurate about hearing aid use and cognitive decline, based on research to date? While there are some data to show hearing aids may help slow the rate of cognitive decline well-designed, prospective randomized control trials are needed before this conclusion can be made. Hearing aids increase the rate of cognitive decline. Hearing aids cure dementia and cognitive decline. Cognitive decline has a strong genetic component and therefore hearing aids and other interventions cannot change its course.

9.  To investigate whether hearing aids help prevent cognitive decline/dementia, a gold standard study would: control for variables such as income level, socioeconomic status, etc. be designed to test the specific intervention (hearing aids) be a well designed, prospective, randomized control trial all of the above

10.  For use in counseling patients, which of the following statements would be accurate? If you do not treat your hearing loss, you will develop dementia. Hearing aids have been scientifically proven to delay cognitive decline and dementia, so the earlier you start wearing hearing aids, the more you lower your risk. There are studies showing a relationship between hearing loss and cognitive decline and dementia. While more research is needed, it appears that hearing loss may increase your risk. There is no definitive research showing hearing aids delay cognitive decline/dementia at this time but research is ongoing. If dementia runs in your family, you are at higher risk for hearing loss.