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Hearing Loss and Cognitive Function in Early Old Age: Comparing Subjective and Objective Hearing Measures
Maria Hoff1,2, Johan Skoog3,4,5, Timothy Hadarsson Bodin3,4
1Unit of Audiology, Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
Gerontology
|December 14, 2022
Summary
Objective hearing measures, not self-reports, are linked to cognitive decline in older adults. Objective hearing tests are crucial for geriatric research, and hearing aid use may benefit cognition.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Audiology
Background:
- Population studies indicate a correlation between hearing loss and increased risk of cognitive impairment.
- Understanding the relationship between hearing and cognition is vital for aging populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between subjective and objective hearing measures and cognitive function in older adults.
- To examine how hearing aid use influences the relationship between hearing and cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- A population-based sample of 70-year-olds underwent cognitive assessments, pure-tone audiometry, and hearing questionnaires.
- A subsample completed a speech-recognition-in-noise (SPRIN) test.
- Multiple linear regression analyses were used, controlling for demographic and cardiovascular factors.
Main Results:
- Objective hearing measures, specifically pure-tone average (PTA4) and SPRIN scores, were significantly associated with global cognitive function.
- Self-reported hearing measures did not show a significant association with cognitive function.
- Hearing aid users with mild hearing loss exhibited better global cognitive function than nonusers.
Conclusions:
- Objective assessment of hearing is crucial for understanding cognitive function in older adults, particularly in epidemiological research.
- Speech-in-noise testing demonstrated a strong association with cognitive function.
- Further research is warranted on the impact of hearing aid use on age-related cognitive decline.
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