Aryn L. Harrison Bush|Jennifer J. Lister|Frank R. Lin|Joshua Betz|Jerri D. Edwards
Peripheral Hearing and Cognition
University of South Florida|University of South Florida|Johns Hopkins University|Johns Hopkins University|University of South Florida
brief objectives research increasingly suggested consistent relationship peripheral hearing selected measures cognition older adults however studies yield conflicting findings primary purpose present study elucidate relationship peripheral hearing three domains cognition one measure global cognitive status hypothesized peripheral hearing loss would significantly associated poorer performance across measures cognition even adjusting documented risk factors study date examined relationship peripheral hearing extensive array cognitive measures design eight hundred ninetyfour older adult participants staying keen later life study cohort eligible agreed participate completed baseline evaluation inclusion criteria minimal include sample older adults wide range sensory cognitive abilities multiple linear regression analyses conducted evaluate extent peripheral hearing predicted performance global measure cognitive status well multiple cognitive measures domains speed processing digit symbol substitution copy trail making test part letter pattern comparison useful field view executive function trail making test part b stroop colorword interference task memory digit span spatial span hopkins verbal learning test results peripheral hearing measured threefrequency puretone average pta better ear accounted significant minimal amount variance measures speed processing executive function memory well global cognitive status alternative measures hearing ie threefrequency ptas right left ears bilateral sixfrequency pta three frequencies per ear yielded similar findings across measures cognition alter study outcomes meaningful way conclusions consistent literature suggesting significant relationship peripheral hearing cognition agreement hypothesis peripheral hearing significantly related 10 11 measures cognition assessed processing speed executive function memory well global cognitive status although evidence including present results suggests relationship peripheral hearing cognition little known underlying mechanisms examination mechanisms critical need direct appropriate treatment research suggested significant relationship peripheral hearing limited measures cognition older adults however unclear whether relationship extends multiple domains measures cognitive performance using sample 894 participants staying keen later life skill study significant relationships observed peripheral hearing eleven cognitive measures tapping global cognitive status speed processing executive function memory results provide comprehensive evidence minimal significant relationship peripheral hearing multiple domains cognition older adults future research address potential mechanisms underlying relationship