Hearing aids may have cognitive benefit

The use of hearing aids and cochlear implants was associated with a 19% decrease in hazards of long-term cognitive decline, as well as a smaller improvement in general cognitive test scores, according to a study.

Researchers conducted a review of published randomized clinical trials or observational studies on the effect of hearing interventions on cognitive function, cognitive decline, cognitive impairment, and dementia in patients with hearing loss.

Of the 8 studies, involving 126 903 participants, there was a follow-up range of 2 to 25 years.

Compared with participants who had uncorrected hearing loss, those that used a hearing aid had significantly lower hazards of any cognitive decline.

A meta-analysis of 11 studies with 568 participants demonstrated a 3% improvement in short-term cognitive test scores after using a hearing aid.

Reference
Yeo BSY, Song HJJMD, Toh EMS, et al. Association of Hearing Aids and Cochlear Implants With Cognitive Decline and Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA Neurol. 2022;doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.4427