ObjectiveHearing loss has been well-documented as a risk factor for cognitive impairment, but the simple presence of hearing loss is not a sufficient predictor of cognitive decline. Although auditory behavioral research has not revealed an effective indicator of early cognitive impairment, a limited number of studies using cortical auditory evoked potentials (CAEPs) have shown promising evidence of an auditory neurophysiological indicator of early-stage cognitive impairment. The purpose of this study was to examine the P1–N1–P2 complex for indicators of cognitive impairment. MethodsThe latency and amplitude of the P1–N1–P2 complex was measured for two stimuli (pure tone, speech) in two groups: cognitively normal older adults (CNOAs) and older adults with probable mild cognitive impairment (MCI), based on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. ResultsSignificantly smaller P2 amplitudes were found for those with probable MCI compared to CNOA across stimulus conditions. Stimulus effects were found for P1 and P2 latency. ConclusionP2 amplitude may be a useful indicator of early-stage cognitive impairment. SignificanceAs effective treatments become available, early identification of cognitive impairment can facilitate the prescription of treatment at the earliest juncture. CAEPs have the potential to serve as efficient, non-invasive, cost-effective indicators of future cognitive decline and impairment.