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The interdependent relationship of hearing and cognitive function has resulted in an accelerated growth of research across multiple fields.1 However, it is uncertain how modern clinical practice in audiology should evolve. This study is a systematic review of the cognitive hearing science literature with the purpose of identifying clinical application for audiologists. The resulted in a total of 118 articles, with 64 of those having direct clinical application. Results indicate audiologists should consider measures of cognitive health when diagnosing and treating their older patients with hearing loss. Further, cognitive screening tools should include measures of working memory capacity (WMC), attention, and processing speed. These tools should be sensitive to small changes in cognitive function and distinguish mild cognitive impairment from normal function. Specific recommendations for adaptable evidence-based treatment of hearing loss based on cognitive functioning are lacking. However, there were a few suggestions in the literature, including using speech-in-noise testing as part of the diagnostic test-battery, optimizing the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) through stronger DNR settings and FM technology. Additionally, slower compression release times for those with poorer cognition as well as more automatic hearing aid functioning was recommended. While current literature provides preliminary, general guidelines for application to clinical practice, more research is needed that directly applies to assessment and intervention services for hearing loss in context of cognitive function.
Scott Seeman (Mon,) studied this question.