Impact of cochlear implants on cognitive performance during aging

This study evaluates the impact of cochlear implantation on cognitive function in older adults, focusing on executive function, processing speed, and memory.

A prospective observational study was conducted on 15 older adults (mean age: 72.4 years) who underwent cochlear implantation at the ENT and Head and Neck Surgery Department. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Trail Making Test (TMT-A and TMT-B) pre- and post-implantation (6 and 12 months). Results were compared using statistical analyses, and correlations between cognitive improvement and speech perception outcomes were examined.

Cognitive function significantly improved post-implantation, with MMSE scores increasing from 22.93 ± 3.2 at baseline to 24.6 ± 2.9 at 12 months (p < 0.05). TMT-A and TMT-B scores also improved significantly (p < 0.05), indicating enhanced executive function and processing speed. A moderate correlation (r = 0.52, p = 0.04) was observed between cognitive improvement and speech perception.

These findings support the hypothesis that cochlear implantation in older adults positively impacts cognitive function. This study adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that auditory rehabilitation may help mitigate cognitive decline in aging populations.