Aural Analytics Inc. and Hhitt Inc., dba Hitcheck, teamed up to offer a cognitive assessment application that could quickly answer the question, “Should he play?” after a hit to the head during a game. Considering the controversy over Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s loss of consciousness following his second head injury in two games last month, the cognitive assessment tool, which includes clinical-grade speech analytics, comes none too soon.
“There is a distinct link between brain injury and changes in speech and language that can be quickly and easily measured using Aural Analytics speech vitals technology,” said Aural CEO Judy Smythe. “Human speech relies on the coordination of complex neural activity, including cognitive and motor functions. A concussion or brain injury can cause damage to the underlying system, which becomes apparent in one’s speech.”
“Concussions can result in a number of acute symptoms that impact speech, including incoordination and changes to cognitive function,” Smythe told BioWorld. “In addition, a concussion is associated with long-term physical and cognitive symptoms that impact mental health and social function. Speech is a unique measurement tool because it can provide insight into upstream neurological changes that cause impairment to coordination, cognition, and mood, and into downstream changes to social function.”
Read the full article: As NFL dithers, Aural and Hitcheck partner for in-game concussion assessment
