Hearing Loss and Cognition: The Role of Hearing Aids, Social Isolation and Depression

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0119616
• Publication Date: 2015-03-11T13:49:38Z
• Authors: Piers Dawes; Richard Emsley; Karen J. Cruicksh...; David R. Moore; Heather Fortnum; Mark Edmondson-Jones; Abby McCormack; Kevin J. Munro
• Keywords: Hearing aid; Social Isolation; Depression; Cognitive Decline

Hearing loss is associated with poor cognitive performance and incident dementia may contribute to decline. Treating hearing aids ameliorate The purpose of this study was test whether use better performance, if relationship mediated via social isolation and/or depression. Structural equation modelling associations between loss, isolation, depression aid carried out a subsample the UK Biobank data set (n = 164,770) adults aged 40 69 years who completed test. Age, sex, general health socioeconomic status were controlled for as potential confounders. cognition, independently This finding consistent hypothesis that improve although do have positive effect on cognition it not likely be reduction adverse effects or We suggest any improvement in audibility increases self-efficacy. Alternatively, accounted by more cognitively able people seeking using aids. Further research required determine direction association, there direct causal results rates decline measured longitudinally.