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Cognitive Shifting Ability Does Not Predict Self-Perceived Hearing Difficulties in Adult Hearing-Aid Users
Francesca Molinari Luccini1, Henrik Danielsson1, Victoria Stenbäck2
1Disability Research Division, Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
Hearing loss and education level significantly predict hearing difficulties in adults using hearing aids. Cognitive shifting ability did not show a significant association with self-reported hearing challenges.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
Background:
- Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) impacts daily life, even for hearing aid users.
- Predictors of hearing difficulties, including hearing loss and cognitive function, require further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine if hearing loss and cognitive shifting ability predict self-reported hearing difficulties in ARHL adults using hearing aids.
- To investigate if sex moderates these associations, controlling for age and education.
Main Methods:
- 203 adults with ARHL using hearing aids completed audiometry, a cognitive flexibility task, and the Speech, Spatial, and Qualities of Hearing Scale (SSQ).
- Hierarchical multiple regression analyses were employed.
Main Results:
- Reduced hearing loss predicted fewer self-reported hearing difficulties across all SSQ subscales.
- Higher education levels predicted fewer difficulties in the Speech and Spatial subscales.
- Cognitive shifting ability and sex did not significantly predict hearing difficulties or moderate the observed associations.
Conclusions:
- Hearing loss severity and education level are key factors influencing self-reported hearing difficulties in hearing aid users.
- Cognitive shifting ability does not appear to be a significant predictor in this population.
- Further research should explore other cognitive and demographic factors impacting hearing aid users' experiences.
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