Hearing loss and cognition in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging.

Abstract

Objective To determine the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive function as assessed with a standardized neurocognitive battery. We hypothesized a priori that greater hearing loss is associated with lower cognitive test scores on tests of memory and executive function. Methods A cross-sectional cohort of 347 participants ≥ 55 years in the BLSA without mild cognitive impairment or dementia had audiometric and cognitive testing performed in 1990–1994. Hearing loss was defined by an average of hearing thresholds at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz in the better-hearing ear. Cognitive testing consisted of a standardized neurocognitive battery incorporating tests of mental status, memory, executive function, processing speed, and verbal function. Regression models were used to examine the association between hearing loss and cognition while adjusting for confounders. Results Greater hearing loss was significantly associated with lower scores on measures of mental status (Mini-Mental State Exam), memory (Free Recall), and executive function (Stroop Mixed, Trail Making B). These results were robust to analyses accounting for potential confounders, non-linear effects of age, and exclusion of individuals with severe hearing loss. The reduction in cognitive performance associated with a 25 dB hearing loss was equivalent to the reduction associated with an age difference of 6.8 years. Conclusion Hearing loss is independently associated with lower scores on tests of memory and executive function. Further research examining the longitudinal association of hearing loss with cognitive functioning is needed to confirm these cross-sectional findings.

Audição em adultos e idosos: associação com sexo, idade e cognição

“…This result not only confirms previous studies but also what was expected by the researchers, since it has been described in both national and international literature 5,[24][25][26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39] . The age of the individuals caused an increase in auditory thresholds, which may lead to an even more harmed speech comprehension.…”

“…Previous researches revealed similar findings, 7,27-31 therefore proving the association between hearing and cognitive decrease 32,33 .…”

“…The higher the effort to hear, the greater the use mechanisms to store the information received, for the subject will be more attentive to the sensorial entrance of the information, decreasing the storing capacity [26][27][28][29][30][31][32][33][34] . Along with regular aging people suffer from attention decrease; especially regarding selective attention, presenting difficulty in carrying out simultaneous mental tasks -as in a conversation in presence of noisy background.…”

Hearing loss in the developing world: Evaluating the iPhone mobile device as a screening tool

“…[9,10] Such hearing loss is predominantly high frequency and sensorineural. Lin et al [11,12] reported that older adults with hearing loss are more likely to develop cognitive impairment and dementia than their contemporaries without hearing loss. Regular monitoring and early detection and treatment of presbycusis would maintain an existing quality of life.…”

Speech Recognition in Adults With Cochlear Implants: The Effects of Working Memory, Phonological Sensitivity, and Aging

“…This fact presents a clinical challenge to optimizing outcomes for the expanding population of CI users because cognitive functions decline with advancing age. That fact could further compromise speech recognition in this population of patients with hearing loss (Lin et al, 2011(Lin et al, , 2013.…”