The impact of parameter choice on the association between hearing loss and cognitive decline

Project Summary

Age-related hearing loss affects up to two-thirds of people aged 70 and over and it is associated with cognitive decline. Studies have reported conflicting results as to which cognitive functions are affected by hearing loss and to what degree. We wish to determine if the different outcomes reported in previous studies can be explained by 1) the way hearing loss is measured; and 2) individual characteristics such as age, general health and level of education. This is important because a promising avenue to reduce the effects of hearing loss on cognition is to fit older people with hearing aids. To design the best intervention studies, however, it is necessary that the hearing-cognition association is measured optimally. The data obtained from this study will provide invaluable information to clinicians and scientists that wish to develop intervention approaches to reduce the burden of hearing loss on cognition.