Longitudinal associations between speech-in-noise deficits and cognitive function over 8 years: the role of hearing aid use and environmental noise exposure

Semere Bekena, Ramkrishna K Singh, Nikitha Damera, Yiqi Zhu, Jean-Francois Trani, Kate Mc, Mollie Webb and Ganesh M Babulal

The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, 2025, vol. 80, issue 9, gbaf115.

Abstract: ObjectiveHearing loss is a potentially modifiable risk factor for dementia, yet questions remain about its impact on cognitive trajectories. Hearing aid use has been proposed as a protective intervention, but findings are mixed. This study examined longitudinal associations between hearing loss, hearing aid use, and cognitive function, and explored the role of environmental noise exposure.MethodsWe prospectively studied 398 adults aged ≥65 years. Hearing status was assessed using the National Institute of Health Toolbox Words-in-Noise test and Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly. Cognitive function was measured using a Preclinical Alzheimer’s Cognitive Composite (PACC). Associations between hearing status, hearing aid use, and cognitive outcomes were evaluated using linear regression and mixed-effects models, adjusting for demographic and environmental covariates.ResultsParticipants had a mean age of 73 years, with 53.5% female and 86.9% identifying as non-Hispanic White. Hearing loss was associated with lower PACC scores cross-sectionally (β = −0.04, p

Keywords: cognitive aging; speech-in-noise processing; self-perceived hearing handicap; dementia risk; environmental noise exposure (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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