Hearing Impairment and Cognitive Decline in Older, Community-Dwelling Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hearing impairment is prevalent among older adults and has been identified as a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia. We evaluated the association of hearing impairment with long-term cognitive decline among community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

A population-based longitudinal study of adults not using hearing aids who had hearing acuity and cognitive function assessed in 1992-1996, and were followed for a maximum of 24 years with up to five additional cognitive assessments. Hearing acuity was categorized based on pure-tone average (PTA) thresholds: normal (PTA ≤ 25 dB), mild impairment (PTA > 25-40 dB), moderate/severe impairment (PTA > 40 dB).

Results

Of 1,164 participants (mean age 73.5 years, 64% women), 580 (49.8%) had mild hearing impa

SUBMITTER: Alattar AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7328194 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature