Association between Hearing Impairment and Cognitive Decline: The Protective Role of Hearing Aids

Abstract

Relationships between hearing impairment (HI) and dementia have been reported in elderly adults, and there is growing evidence that HI is an independent modifiable risk factor for dementia. However, there is insufficient evidence to recommend the use of hearing aids to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. To address these issues, we are currently conducting an observational study in cooperation with neurologists, gerontologists, and otorhinologists to investigate the association between cognitive function and HI in elderly adults. As part of this study, we also investigated this association using data from healthcare check-up programs for community dwellers. We analyzed the data of 1602 eligible community-dwellers. Hearing aid users were older and less likely to exhibit cognitive impairment than non-hearing aid users. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HI was independently associated with an inability to draw a clock correctly (odds ratio 1.60, 95% confidence interval 1.12-2.26). Compared with those in Western countries, the usage rate of hearing aids in Japan is lower, although the rate of elderly adults presenting with HI is similar to those in Western countries. Both otorhinologists and geriatricians should be aware of the potential presence of HI in elderly adults.