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Relationship between hearing thresholds and cognitive function in hearing aid non-users and long-term users
Takanori Nishiyama1,2, Tomomi Kimizuka1,2, Chinatsu Kataoka1,2
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan.
Npj Aging
|February 24, 2025
Summary
Hearing loss above 38.75 dB HL in non-hearing aid users over 55 is linked to cognitive decline. Long-term hearing aid users showed no such association, suggesting hearing aid use may mitigate cognitive risks.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Hearing loss is prevalent in older adults and may impact cognitive function.
- The precise degree of hearing loss necessitating hearing aid (HA) intervention to prevent cognitive decline remains unclear.
- Understanding the relationship between hearing thresholds and cognitive status in HA non-users versus long-term users is crucial for public health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between hearing loss severity and cognitive function in individuals aged 55 and older.
- To compare cognitive function in hearing aid non-users and long-term hearing aid users.
- To identify a potential hearing threshold cutoff for cognitive impairment in non-users.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 117 participants (≥55 years) with hearing loss (average threshold ≥25 dB HL).
- Participants were categorized into non-users (n=55) and long-term users (n=62).
- Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination and Symbol Digit Modalities Test (SDMT); hearing thresholds were measured via pure-tone and sound-field audiometry.
Main Results:
- Non-users with hearing thresholds above 38.75 dB HL demonstrated a significant association with lower SDMT scores (P=0.01).
- The average hearing level was 40.83 ± 8.16 dB HL for non-users and 51.13 ± 14.80 dB HL for long-term users.
- No significant association between hearing thresholds and cognitive function was found in long-term HA users.
Conclusions:
- Hearing loss exceeding 38.75 dB HL in older adults who do not use hearing aids is associated with impaired cognitive function.
- Long-term hearing aid use may attenuate the negative relationship between hearing loss and cognitive performance.
- Early intervention with hearing aids for age-related hearing loss could be a strategy to preserve cognitive health.
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