Associations between hearing, subjective memory complaints, and dementia risk factors among audiology clients

In a clinical sample of audiology clients, we aimed to investigate associations between hearing loss (pure-tone audiometry), subjective hearing difficulty (self-report), subjective memory complaints, and well-known health and lifestyle risk factors for dementia.

This study was conducted via an online self-report survey and review of clinical records.

Clients (N = 399, 45% female, M age = 74) of a hearing services provider in Perth, Western Australia, took part in the study.

Audiology clients reported high levels of subjective memory complaints, with 54% scoring above the clinically significant cut-off. Higher levels of subjective memory complaints were predicted by both higher level of hearing loss (β = -.25) and higher levels of subjective hearing difficulty (β = .24). Odds ratios indicated that subjective hearing difficulty, but not the level of hearing loss, was associated with a higher likelihood of self-reported health and lifestyle risk factors for dementia.

Clients attending audiology clinics may represent a promising target population for risk-reduction and timely intervention initiatives to address cognitive decline. Results highlight the importance of a holistic approach to hearing healthcare.