Abstract
Hearing impairment affects nearly two thirds of adults over the age of 70 years. However, the impact of poor audibility on neuropsychological test performance, and the potential impact of hearing amplification, is often not considered during the assessment of cognitive ability. This is despite many tests incorporating auditory components in the form of instructions and test stimuli. The aim of this review was to summarize available literature on the impact of hearing amplification on neuropsychological test performance. Articles were identified through systematic searches in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, CINAHL, and PsycINFO databases. Eligibility criteria for inclusion were use of a hearing amplification device, outcome performance on a neuropsychological test with and without an amplification device, adult participants, and English language access to the record. Due to variations in methodology and the outcome measures used, a meta-analysis was not performed. 1854 unique abstracts were screened by two independent reviewers. Abstracts that met the criteria were assessed further for eligibility by reviewing the full text. Forms of hearing amplification included hearing aids, voice amplifiers, and headphones. Cognitive functioning was assessed by global measures such as the mini-mental state examination (MMSE) and domain specific tests of memory, language, and speed of processing among others. Few between-subjects designs randomized participants to the amplification intervention resulting in samples unmatched for hearing level and other variables. Within-subjects designs varied in scientific rigor from blinded interventions to failure to counterbalance the order of testing. Nevertheless, the results showed that the benefit of hearing amplification ranged from no effect to a positive benefit of several points on the MMSE. Hearing amplification can improve neuropsychological test performance in adult participants. Thus, it is important that audibility is taken into account prior to conducting neuropsychological tests. This is pertinent when using neuropsychological tests for the assessment of cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults with hearing impairment.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
