Effects of simulated hearing loss on cognitive task performance: A scoping review

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Neuroscience
• Audiology

Background:

• Hearing loss (HL) and cognitive decline frequently co-occur in older adults.
• Cognitive tests often rely on auditory stimuli, potentially introducing bias in individuals with hearing impairments.
• Understanding the isolated effect of HL on cognition is crucial for accurate assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review studies simulating HL in cognitively healthy individuals.
• To investigate the isolated impact of simulated HL on cognitive test performance.
• To identify research gaps and guide future research directions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across major databases (OVID/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO).
• Studies published before February 19, 2026, were included.
• Included studies examined the effects of simulated HL on cognitive tests in cognitively healthy, normal-hearing participants.

Main Results:

• 10 studies met the inclusion criteria out of 1,322 identified.
• Cognitive tests evaluated included the Mini-Mental State Examination, Digit Span, Arithmetic Task (WAIS-IV), Listening Span, Hopkins Verbal Learning Test-Revised, and WRAML-II.
• HL simulation methods varied, encompassing audibility loss, distortion, and cochlear implant processing.

Conclusions:

• Simulated HL is consistently associated with reduced cognitive test performance.
• There is a lack of research quantifying the specific impact of HL on different cognitive tasks.
• Recognizing the influence of HL on test scores is essential for reliable cognitive assessment.