Restoration of Sensory Input Improves Neural and Cognitive Processing

Background: Age-related hearing loss is one of the most prevalent health conditions among the elderly. One consequence of hearing loss is an acceleration of age-related cognitive decline. The mechanistic basis for this association between hearing loss and decreased cognitive function remains unknown as does the potential for improving cognition through hearing rehabilitation.

Objective: We asked whether the restoration of sensory input through the use of hearing aids would improve cognitive and auditory neural function in older adults.

Methods: We compared a group of first-time hearing aid users with a hearing-matched control group after a period of six months. Outcome measures included self-assessment questionnaires, cognitive measures and electrophysiological subcortical (frequency following response- FFR) and cortical recordings.

Results: The use of hearing aids enhanced working memory performance and increased cortical response amplitudes. FFR peak latencies remained stable in the hearing-aid users group but were significantly delayed in the control group after six months. Neurophysiologic changes correlated with working memory changes, suggesting a mechanism for decreased cognitive function with hearing loss. Hearing aid users reported subjective benefits on self-assessment questionnaires.

Conclusions: These results suggest a neural mechanism for the sensory-cognitive connection and underscore the importance of providing auditory rehabilitation for individuals with ARHL to improve cognitive and neural function. Our findings of improved cognitive function with hearing aid use may lead to increased adoption of hearing loss remedies. The current study provide evidence for clinicians that the use of hearing aids may prevent further loss of auditory function resulting from sensory deprivation.