The Impact of Cognitive Function on Hearing Impairment

Paper Summary:

In this article, the writer notes that the main hypothesis of the study, "Does Cognitive Function in Older Adults with Hearing Impairment Improve by Hearing Aid Use?", can be stated as follows: while hearing aids show significant results in terms of auditory improvement, there is no proof to suggest a related improvement or increase in cognitive ability as a result of the application of a hearing aid. The writer explains that the study refers to cognitive functions such as memory, attention, executive functioning, and processing speed. The writer also explains that it should be noted at the outset that this hypothesis presupposes a connection, albeit based on prior research sources, between hearing or hearing enhancements and cognitive functioning. Thus, this is an aspect that forms part of the critique in this analysis of the paper. The writer points out that it is also suggested that the methodology used to ascertain cognitive correlation is to some extent not adequate in terms of the complexity of determining quantitatively a definite link between hearing aids and improved cognition.

From the Paper:

"The methodology used in this study was comparatively simple and conventionally straight-forward. In essence a relatively small number or participants were used in this study - which is also a point of contention with regard to the results and conclusion of this research. In total there were fifty-six participants (mean age 0/72.5) who were fitted with hearing aids were compared with 46 control participants (mean age 0/74.5) with an equivalent impairment, but who were not fitted with a hearing aid. The study took cognizance of a number of variables and factors that could influence the results of the experiment. These included neurocognitive tests after 12 months. However, it is also possible that these tests in terms of personality and individual psychological components were not sufficient. This aspect is possibly one of the reasons why the study did not return the expected correlation between hearing aids and cognitive improvement."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Lang, Mary Margaret, 2001, 'Screening for cognitive impairment in the older adult' The Nurse Practitioner, November 1.
• Nolan, K.A., & Blass, J.P. 1992, 'Preventing cognitive decline', Clinics in Geriatric Medicine, vol 8, 19-34.
• Schaie, K. W. 1974, 'Translations in gerontology-From lab to life: Intellectual functioning', American Psychologist, vol 29, 802-807
• van Hooren S. et al. 2005, 'Does cognitive function in older adults with hearing impairment improve by hearing aid use?', International Journal of Audiology, vol 44, no.5, 265 - 271

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