Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is an association between hearing loss and cognitive decline in older adults. However, there is little evidence investigating the aspect of self-report on hearing and cognition in this population. METHODS: Thirty-eight older adults with and without hearing loss were asked to complete a cognitive questionnaire, hearing questionnaire – Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE), cognitive screener – Mini Mental State Exam (MMSE), tympanometry and pure-tone audiometry. All participants used a PocketTalker, receiving both verbal and written instructions, to complete the questionnaires and screeners. RESULTS: Self-reported hearing and HHIE scores were significantly correlated with pure-tone averages of the better ear. Measures of objective hearing and cognition were not significantly correlated. For those self-reporting a severe hearing handicap, MMSE and PTA scores were significantly associated. However, for those self-reporting cognitive decline, MMSE and PTA scores were not significantly associated. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported hearing loss using a single question or a questionnaire, such as the HHIE, is a good predictor of measured hearing loss. Further studies are needed to investigate different levels of cognition in relation to self-reported hearing loss and cognition in older adults. Interdisciplinary collaboration for screening protocols is encouraged in caring for older adults with common co-occurring conditions.