A Mini Review: Ageing, Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline Ageing has been linked to both hearing loss and cognitive decline.
The second theory emphasizes on the concept of social isolation and negative perception which leads to a decline in the daily activities and well-being of the individual. These theories may overlap with each other. The consequences of these theories highlight the possibility of leading to neural disorganization and shooting up the process of decline thereby, affecting the ability to understand speech. The presence of other comorbid conditions may contribute to the severity of the existing situation.1 Many studies have reported about the common etiology of cognitive decline and age-related hearing loss. Many morphological characteristics such as increased cognitive load, social isolation, loneliness, and structural changes in the brain can result due to hearing impairment.
Many procedures like implementing the use of hearing aids and cochlear implants which are the best possible treatment options for the younger population too, can support the rehabilitation for treating older patients. Similarly, studies on the usefulness of cochlear implants in older patients are many.
Conventional procedures for medical evaluation of older people with multiple comorbidities has led to the development of a broader aspect of testing for geriatrics which includes hearing impairment, visual impairment, functional decline, balance disorders and malnutrition. Understanding pathophysiology and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders can further help to treat sensory deficits in cognitively impaired older individuals. In the end, a multidisciplinary approach is the best possible solution for geriatrics including the specific sensorineural investigations which emphasize on the detailed assessment of the elderly for their cognition and hearing loss. Existing literature supports the idea that sensory functioning affects cognitive aging, either directly or due to the influence of other factors such as mood improvement, etc.
