Influence of Cochlear Implantation on Cognitive Function in Elderly Patients

Abstract

Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition faced by older adults. Recently, a number of studies have demonstrated a significant association between hearing impairment and cognitive decline. However, the underlying explanatory mechanism of this relation has yet to be established. Given the relation between hearing loss and cognitive decline, researchers have been interested in the effect of restoring hearing ability on cognitive functions in older adults. One intervention option for management of the most severe to profound hearing loss in older adults is cochlear implantation (CI). We performed a review to assess the cur- rent status of the literature on the potential influence of CI on cognition in the older adults. Hearing rehabilitation through CI in elderly patients results in improvements in speech perception and cognitive function and lowers the progression to dementia. Further well-designed studies with long follow-up are needed to verify whether CI influences cognition in older adults.