Age-related Hearing Loss Increases Risk of Cognitive Decline, Dementia

Age-related hearing loss has become very common and was found to be associated to increasing the risk of cognitive decline, impairment and dementia.

A link between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline, impairment and dementia has been found, reveals a new study.

Age-related hearing loss is common. Research about a link between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline and dementia has been inconsistent.

Presbycusis (Age-related Hearing Loss)-Causes-Symptoms-Diagnosis-Treatment-FAQs
Presbycusis (age related hearing loss) is the gradual loss of hearing that occurs as people get older. Presbycusis involves progressive sensorineural hearing loss.

‘Use of hearing assist devices can prevent cognitive decline and dementia.’

Understanding any possible association between hearing loss and cognitive decline could help with strategies to prevent cognitive decline and dementia with use of hearing assist devices.

About 20,264 participants in 36 studies were included.

Age-related hearing loss (exposure) and measures of cognitive function, cognitive impairment, and dementia (outcomes). This was a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Temporary and Permanent Hearing Loss in Adults
Understanding various causes of hearing loss can help conserve hearing especially if it is a temporary hearing loss. Permanent hearing impairment can be managed with a proper hearing aid fitting.

A meta-analysis combines the results of multiple studies identified in a systematic review and quantitatively summarizes the overall association between the same exposure and outcomes measured across all studies.

The authors of this study were David G. Loughrey, B.A. (Hons), Trinity College Dublin, Ireland and coauthors.

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Prevalence of Medical Errors Associated With Age-Related Hearing Loss
Failures in clinical communication are considered to be the leading cause of medical errors as older adults lose their ability to hear properly.

There was a small association between age-related hearing loss and increased risk for cognitive decline (such as in executive function, episodic memory and processing speed), cognitive impairment and dementia.

The studies analyzed were observational and cannot prove a cause-and-effect relationship.