Auditory Deprivation and Health in the Elderly
Maturitas
Cherko, M., Hickson, L., et al. (2016).
Maturitas, 88, 52-57.
This systematic review investigates the effects of hearing interventions, including hearing rehabilitation, hearing aids, bone conduction hearing aids, and cochlear implantation, on cognition and quality of life in adults, 65 years and older, who are deaf or hard of hearing.
No funding received
Through February 2016
Published studies (not further specified)
51
One study investigating the use of bone conduction hearing aids in adults, 65 years and older, with hearing loss reported that "bone conduction aids have been shown to improve quality of life in the ... [older adult] population, and to have a similar complication rate to those fitted with bone-conduction aids at a younger age" (p. 55).
Studies investigating the effects of hearing aid use in adults, 65 years and older, with hearing loss reported the following:
<ul>
<li>Nine studies found benefits in quality of life, general health, mental health, social and emotional function, symptoms of depression, and cognitive function. These improvements were observed within one month of using a hearing aid and were continued to be observed after one year of use. Caregivers also demonstrated benefits.</li>
<li>Four studies found limited benefits. Cognitive improvements were not sustained after a year of use, negative feelings about the hearing loss did not change, and hearing was not fully restored to previous hearing levels. No effect was observed in the areas of social activity, social relationships, well-being, or cognitive functioning.</li>
<li>Two studies investigating the effect of the type of hearing aid on quality of life reported inconsistent benefits. One study found no benefit of advanced hearing aids over basic hearing aids, while another study indicated significant benefit from programmable hearing aids compared to non-programmable hearing aids.</li>
</ul>
Two studies investigating the effects of hearing aid use in adults, 65 years and older, with dementia and hearing loss reported no benefit. Patients continued to demonstrate poor audiological performance, deterioration on the Mini-Mental State Examination, and no change in behavior or psychological symptoms. Patients reported improved hearing and no problem physically using a hearing aid.
One study investigating the impact of social programs for adults with hearing loss reported significant improvements in the quality of life for participants of the Active Communication Education program as compared to a placebo program. Quality of life improvements remained at six months.
Eleven studies investigating the effects of cochlear implantation (CI) in adults, 65 years and older, with hearing loss reported improvements in quality of life, auditory performance, mood and loneliness, and self-confidence. These improvements were found to be sustained over time. Patients, 65 years and older, demonstrated similar learning curves adapting to CI use as compared to younger adults who received a CI. No additional safety concerns were reported regarding implantation in older individuals. Patients, 65 years and older, with a CI reported continued difficulties hearing in groups and noisy environments.
