Longitudinal study of hearing loss and subjective cognitive function decline in men

Alzheimers Dement. 2019 Apr;15(4):525-533. doi: 10.1016/j.jalz.2018.11.004. Epub 2019 Jan 29.

Abstract

Introduction: We examined the relation between self-reported hearing loss, hearing aid use, and risk of subjective cognitive function (SCF) decline.

Methods: We conducted an 8-year (2008-2016) longitudinal study of 10,107 men aged ≥62 years who reported their hearing status in 2006 and had no subjective cognitive concerns in 2008. Change in SCF scores was assessed by a 6-item questionnaire, and subjective decline was defined as new report of at least one SCF concern during follow-up.

Results: Hearing loss was associated with higher risk of SCF decline. Compared with no hearing loss, the multivariable-adjusted relative risk (95% CI) of incident SCF decline was 1.30 (1.18, 1.42), 1.42 (1.26, 1.61), and 1.54 (1.22, 1.96) among men with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss (no hearing aids), respectively (P-trend < .001). Among men with severe hearing loss who used hearing aids, the multivariable-adjusted relative risk (95% CI) was 1.37 (1.18, 1.60).

Discussion: Hearing loss was associated with substantially higher risk of subsequent subjective cognitive decline in men.

Keywords: Aging; Cognition; Hearing aids; Hearing loss; Longitudinal study; Subjective cognitive function.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aging / physiology
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / diagnosis*
  • Cognitive Dysfunction / etiology
  • Hearing Aids / statistics & numerical data
  • Hearing Loss / complications*
  • Humans
  • Longitudinal Studies
  • Male
  • Neuropsychological Tests
  • Prospective Studies
  • Self Report*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires