Hearing loss and cognitive decline- is there a connection?
Multiple recent research works are focused on age-related hearing loss, both from the perspective of being one of the most common health conditions in older adults, and due to relation with cognition. Japan authors focused in their work on the etiological mechanisms between hearing loss and cognitive decline. The theory is that for an individual with impared hearing, listening effort (attention and concentration) required to understand speech is times higher. This is similar to performing dual tasks under conditions of high load, that leads to brain structural changes and neurodegeneration. Recent human studies have also proved the effect of hearing impairment on accelerated rates of brain atrophy. However, the evidence demonstrating the impact of hearing aids on cognitive function is limited. Therefore, thr beneficial effects of hearing aid use on cognitive function are likely modest, and further investigations with larger sample sizes and long-term observation are needed.