Longitudinal study of hearing loss and subjective cognitive function decline in men.

ABSTRACT: INTRODUCTION:We examined the relation between self-reported hearing loss, hearing aid use, and risk of subjective cognitive function (SCF) decline. METHODS:We conducted an 8-year (2008-2016) longitudinal study of 10,107 men aged ?62 years who reported their hearing status in 2006 and had no subjective cognitive concerns in 2008. Change in SCF scores was assessed by a 6-item questionnaire, and subjective decline was defined as new report of at least one SCF concern during follow-up. RESULTS:Hearing loss was associated with higher risk of SCF decline. Compared with no hearing loss, the multivariable-adjusted relative risk (95% CI) of incident SCF decline was 1.30 (1.18, 1.42), 1.42 (1.26, 1.61), and 1.54 (1.22, 1.96) among men with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss (no hearing aids), respectively (P-trend < .001). Among men with severe hearing loss who used hearing aids, the multivariable-adjusted relative risk (95% CI) was 1.37 (1.18, 1.60). DISCUSSION:Hearing loss was associated with substantially higher risk of subsequent subjective cognitive decline in men.

SUBMITTER: Curhan SG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6461517 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature