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Longitudinal study of hearing loss and subjective cognitive function decline in men
Sharon G Curhan1, Walter C Willett2, Francine Grodstein3
1Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|February 3, 2019
Summary
Hearing loss significantly increases the risk of subjective cognitive decline in older men. This risk is present even with hearing aid use, highlighting the importance of addressing hearing health.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
- Audiology
Background:
- Hearing loss is a prevalent condition in older adults.
- Cognitive decline is a growing public health concern.
- The relationship between hearing impairment and cognitive function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between self-reported hearing loss, hearing aid use, and the risk of subjective cognitive function (SCF) decline.
- To determine if hearing aid use mitigates the risk of cognitive decline in men with hearing loss.
Main Methods:
- An 8-year longitudinal study (2008-2016) involving 10,107 men aged 62 years and older.
- Participants reported hearing status in 2006 and had no subjective cognitive concerns in 2008.
- Subjective cognitive decline was defined as new self-reported cognitive concerns during follow-up.
Main Results:
- Hearing loss was significantly associated with a higher risk of SCF decline.
- Compared to men with no hearing loss, the risk increased with severity: mild (RR 1.30), moderate (RR 1.42), and severe (RR 1.54) hearing loss (P-trend < .001).
- Among men with severe hearing loss, hearing aid use showed a relative risk of 1.37 for SCF decline.
Conclusions:
- Hearing loss is linked to a substantially higher risk of subsequent subjective cognitive decline in men.
- The findings suggest that hearing loss is an independent risk factor for cognitive decline.
- Further research is needed to explore the mechanisms and potential interventions.
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