Exploratory Study on Hearing, Cognition, and Memory in Aging

Abstract

Previous studies have shown a connection between hearing status, memory, and cognitive decline in older adults. The current exploratory study investigates the effects of unaided hearing loss on cognition and recall for auditory versus written expository text passages in normal hearing young adults, normal hearing older adults, and older adults with hearing loss. Although all participants performed better on the recall of auditory information regardless of group, hearing loss was associated with several cognitive measures. Findings indicate a need for continued collaborative research into sensory deficits and their effects on cognition and memory, in order to inform clinical practice