cohort
    2013
    High Quality

    Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline in Older Adults

    Frank R. Lin, Kristine Yaffe, Jin Xia, Qian-Li Xue, Tamara B. Harris, Elizabeth Purchase-Helzner, Suzanne Satterfield, Hilsa N. Ayonayon, Luigi Ferrucci, Eleanor M. Simonsick

    Published in JAMA Internal Medicine

    Abstract

    Whether hearing loss is independently associated with accelerated cognitive decline in older adults is unknown. 1984 older adults were followed for cognitive testing over 6 years.

    Methodology

    1984 community-dwelling older adults underwent baseline audiometric testing and were followed with cognitive tests over up to 6 years.

    Key Findings

    Individuals with hearing loss had significantly faster rates of cognitive decline; for every 10-dB worsening in hearing, cognitive decline risk increased by ~24%.

    Conclusions

    Hearing loss is independently associated with accelerated cognitive decline and incident cognitive impairment, supporting it as a potentially modifiable risk factor.

    Limitations

    Observational design cannot establish causality; hearing aid use and unmeasured confounders could not be fully accounted for.

    Related Health Concerns

    Cognitive Decline
    Hearing Loss
    Memory Loss

    Study Details

    Year:2013
    Sample Size:1,984
    Duration:312 weeks
    Quality Score:8/10

    Access Study

    View on DOIView on PubMedOriginal Source

    Disclosures

    Funding

    National Institute on Aging (NIA), Intramural Research Program

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