Longitudinal study of hearing loss and subjective cognitive function decline in men

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:We examined the relation of self-reported hearing loss, hearing aid use, and risk of subjective cognitive function (SCF) decline. METHODS:We conducted an 8-year (2008-2016) longitudinal study of 10,107 men aged ≥62 years who reported their hearing status in 2006 and had no subjective cognitive concerns in 2008. Change in SCF score was assessed by a 6-item questionnaire and subjective decline was defined as new report of at least one SCF concern during follow-up. RESULTS:Hearing loss was associated with higher risk of SCF decline. Compared with no hearing loss, the multivariable-adjusted relative risk (MVRR,95%CI) of incident SCF decline was 1.30(1.18,1.42), 1.42(1.26,1.61), and 1.54(1.22,1.96) among men with mild, moderate and severe hearing loss (no hearing aids), respectively (p-trend<0.001). Among men with severe hearing loss who used hearing aids, the MVRR was 1.37(1.18,1.60). DISCUSSION:Hearing loss was associated with substantially higher risk of subsequent subjective cognitive decline in men.

Longitudinal study of self‐reported hearing loss and subjective cognitive function decline in women

“…In our previous study among men, the magnitudes of the cross‐sectional associations were similarly attenuated by hearing aid use. However, in our longitudinal analysis among men, although the point estimates among men with severe hearing loss who used hearing aids were slightly lower than among men with hearing loss who did not use hearing aids, the difference was not statistically significant . To our knowledge, the study by Wallhagen et al .…”

“…We assessed SCF by methods used previously in this and similar cohorts . SCF assessment has evolved over time, but the gold standard has not yet been established .…”

“…We assessed SCF by methods used previously in this and similar cohorts. 25,45,81,82 SCF assessment has evolved over time, but the gold standard has not yet been established. 83 More recent approaches capture additional aspects regarding memory concerns and selfperception in relation to peers.…”

“…The SCF score ranged from 0 to 7, with one point assigned for each cognitive concern reported by the participant. Consistent with a previous study using this measure in men, 25 incident SCF decline was defined as the new report of at least one SCF concern over follow-up.…”

Hearing loss and cortical thickness: an unheard reciprocal association?

“…Furthermore, there is no biologically sound explanation for why they found differences in thickness in the specific cortical areas they have identified only in women. The latter result is in contrast with observational studies showing the association between hearing loss and (subjective) cognitive decline in both men [5] and women [6]. It would also be of interest to learn more about the actual absolute values of the cortical thickness in order to evaluate external validity, effect sizes and clinical relevance.Although their findings are of interest from a neuroscience perspective, their interpretation should be carried out with care.…”