Does Treating Hearing Loss in Older Adults Improve Cognitive Outcomes? A Review

Abstract

Hearing loss is the third most prevalent health condition in older age. In recent years, research has consistently reported an association between hearing loss and mental health outcomes, including poorer cognitive performances. Whether treating hearing loss in elders improves cognition has been directly or indirectly addressed by several studies. This review aims at providing a synthesis of those results. Regarding the literature on hearing aids' use and cognition, although the lack of interventional studies has to be underlined, observational data suggest that hearing aids positively impact long-term cognition, even though more research is necessary to ascertain this statement and provide information on the length or frequency of use required in order to observe benefits. Regarding cochlear implants in elders experiencing more severe auditory deprivation, the literature is scarcer. The available studies have many limitations and do not allow the drawing of clear conclusions. Taken together, the results are encouraging. Nevertheless, because hearing loss is suspected to account for 9% of dementia cases, and also because hearing loss is one of the few potentially modifiable factors from a dementia prevention perspective, the need to stimulate research to have clearer knowledge of the benefits of treating hearing loss on cognitive outcomes is urgent.

The Listening Network and Cochlear Implant Benefits in Hearing-Impaired Adults

“…We note that there was no difference in SSQ scores between age groups 55-64 and 65-93, which further suggests that greater focus on a younger transition age is appropriate. Also, if treating hearing loss itself can prevent or reduce cognitive decline, as suggested in the literature (Amieva and Ouvrard, 2020), then treating it earlier would seem a logical course.…”

“…When the cortical regions responsible for interpreting auditory information receive poor or limited signals, the brain recruits other associated regions (Fortunato et al, 2016;Peelle and Wingfield, 2016;Lazard and Giraud, 2017;Eggermont, 2019) to aid in understanding and to manage the anticipation of a task perceived to be effortful (Vassena et al, 2019;Müesch et al, 2020). This can have several repercussions such as cortical overload, functional reorganization, increased listening effort, and cognitive decline (Erb and Obleser, 2013;Ayasse et al, 2017, and see reviews by Cardin, 2016 andAmieva andOuvrard, 2020).…”

Capacidade funcional e perda sensorial em um grupo de idosos usuários de um plano de saúde

“…Um achado inédito encontrado para este grupo de pessoas idosas foi a associação entre viuvez e a presença de DPS, fato ainda não descrito em literatura, a ser mais bem estudado. Trata-se de fator extremamente preocupante, pois estudos mostram que o idoso que mora sozinho, ou em casas onde há pouca interação comunicativa, tendem a ter sua comunicação e cognição comprometidas (Amieva & Ouvrard, 2020;Shukla et al 2020). Pode-se afirmar que se instala um círculo vicioso, onde as perdas sensoriais potencializam o isolamento social do idoso, o qual está relacionado com incremento tantos destas perdas, quanto da probabilidade de desenvolvimento de síndromes demenciais.…”

Exploring the genetic relationship between hearing impairment and Alzheimer's disease

“…Though the association between hearing loss and dementia has been well documented epidemiologically, a causal relationship has not been clearly established. Several theories have been proposed to explain the association between hearing loss and dementia (for thorough reviews see Amieva and Ouvrard 25 and Panza et al 26 …”