Association between presbycusis and cognitive function: contributing factors in older adult

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between presbycusis (PC) and cognitive function in older adults and identified factors influencing cognitive performance.

A total of 126 participants ( ≥ 60 years) were enrolled, including 58 with PC and 68 controls with normal hearing. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, Spearman's correlation, and binary logistic regression.

MMSE scores declined significantly with age in both groups (PC: r = -0.585; control: r = -0.572, both p < 0.001). In the PC group, lower MMSE scores correlated with higher pure-tone average (r = -0.563, p < 0.01) and poorer speech recognition (r = 0.365, p = 0.01). Logistic regression identified higher education as an independent protective factor against cognitive impairment (OR = 0.162, 95% CI: 0.031-0.842, p = 0.021), whereas greater hearing loss severity (OR = 1.083, 95% CI: 1.001-1.172, p = 0.046) and longer hearing loss duration (OR = 0.778, 95% CI: 0.646-0.937, p = 0.008) were associated with increased odds of cognitive impairment. Age and sex were not significant.

Greater hearing loss severity, poorer speech recognition, and longer hearing loss duration are associated with lower cognitive function, while higher education is protective. These findings support the close interrelationship between auditory and cognitive health in older adults, suggesting that early audiological assessment and hearing rehabilitation may aid cognitive health, though causality requires longitudinal validation.