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Updated: May 16, 2026
04:30
An Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Ageing on Sentence Processing
Published on: October 25, 2019
The effects of aging on auditory processing and cognition.
Patricia A Tun1, Victoria A Williams, Brent J Small
1Brandeis University, Waltham, MA, USA. tun@brandeis.edu
American Journal of Audiology
|December 13, 2012
Summary
Aging affects auditory processing and cognition, impacting spoken language comprehension. Lifestyle engagement may help offset age-related cognitive declines in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Auditory Science
Background:
- Aging is associated with declines in auditory processing and cognitive functions.
- Spoken language comprehension and memory are particularly vulnerable to age-related changes.
- Individual variability in cognitive performance is significant across the lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing data on how aging impacts auditory processing and cognitive abilities.
- To examine the influence of lifestyle engagement on cognitive functions in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A narrative review approach was employed.
- Data on age-related changes in auditory processing and cognition were summarized.
- Recent findings on lifestyle factors affecting cognition were incorporated.
Main Results:
- Substantial evidence indicates age-related declines in auditory and cognitive functions.
- Hearing loss exacerbates the perceptual burden, affecting spoken language comprehension and memory, especially in older adults with limited resources.
- Lifestyle factors and socioemotional engagement can mitigate age-related cognitive declines.
Conclusions:
- Spoken language processing in older adults is influenced by interconnected perceptual, cognitive, and socioemotional changes.
- Future research should investigate speech comprehension in complex, meaningful contexts.
- Clinical interventions should be personalized, considering individual auditory, cognitive, and socioemotional profiles.
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