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Hearing loss versus vestibular loss as contributors to cognitive dysfunction.
Paul F Smith1,2,3
1Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, and the Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, PO Box 56, Dunedin, 9054, New Zealand. paul.smith@otago.ac.nz.
Journal of Neurology
|January 2, 2021
Summary
Vestibular loss, even when accounting for hearing loss (HL), is linked to cognitive dysfunction, particularly spatial memory issues. Further research is needed, but evidence suggests a connection between the vestibular system and cognitive health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Growing evidence links hearing loss (HL) to cognitive dysfunction and dementia.
- Emerging research implicates vestibular loss in cognitive decline.
- Vestibular disorders often co-occur with HL and tinnitus, raising questions about the primary cause of cognitive issues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review studies on vestibular-related cognitive dysfunction that have controlled for hearing loss.
- To clarify the independent role of vestibular loss in cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific literature.
- Analysis of studies investigating vestibular dysfunction and cognitive impairment.
- Inclusion of studies that specifically controlled for hearing loss as a confounding factor.
Main Results:
- Approximately 43% of reviewed studies controlled for hearing loss.
- Evidence suggests an association between vestibular loss and cognitive dysfunction, particularly in spatial memory.
- Findings align with animal studies showing vestibular input to brain regions like the hippocampus.
Conclusions:
- Despite some studies not controlling for hearing loss, a significant body of research indicates vestibular loss is independently associated with cognitive dysfunction.
- Vestibular system plays a role in transmitting self-motion information crucial for cognitive functions like spatial memory.
- Further research controlling for hearing loss is recommended to solidify these findings.
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