The potential of immersive auditory‐cognitive training as a platform for studying hearing‐loss and cognitive decline

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundHearing loss (HL) is considered one of the top modifiable risk factors for cognitive decline and dementia. However, modifiability is still a challenge, with auditory‐cognitive training (ACT) representing a promising approach on top of hearing devices, although generalizability and transfer effects of such trainings remain a challenge.MethodThe objective of this study is to gain insights into the benefits of an ACT in audio‐visual immersion with the goal to improve speech comprehension in older adults at‐risk for dementia. Participants (with varying degrees of cognitive capacity and pure‐tone HL) answer questions about spoken content in a three‐dimensional immersive (virtual reality and stereoscopic stimulus presentation) conversation. Electroencephalography is used to measure neural responses simultaneously. Speech comprehension is measured on a behavioral level and concurrently cortical responses to speech as a function of baseline cognitive capacity, audiometric measures and varying cognitive demand is assessed. We address the challenge of generalizability and transferability by enriching our training with natural, relatable speech content, and increased immersion simulating day‐by‐day speech situations.ResultWe predict improved speech comprehension post immersive ACT and simultaneously gain a deeper understanding of the associated neural responses to speech with varying cognitive demands. We further intend to model these effects as a function of baseline cognitive capacity and degree of pure‐tone HL (data collection will start February 2022).ConclusionThe central objective is whether immersive ACT has the potential to improve speech comprehension and to what extent such benefits depend on individual cognitive capacity and pure‐tone HL in older adults at‐risk for dementia. The design allows for both a within‐ and a between‐person perspective, whereby individual prerequisites, environmental and motivational factors will be considered. Finally, it allows for valuable considerations for future trainings, particularly regarding transferability and generalizability, while enabling increased engagement of individuals.