As people age, they often experience a variety of health-related issues, including hearing loss and memory difficulties. This journal self-study explores the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive functioning and considers what is known about age-related cognitive decline and how it may be influenced by hearing loss and the use of amplification. As the primary provider of hearing-related services for older adults, audiologists are in a position to address cognitive issues and assist patients and families. This journal course discusses strategies on how to do so effectively.

Learning Outcomes
You will be able to:

• discuss the relationship between hearing loss and cognition in older adults
• explain how hearing aid use may affect cognition
• explain at least two models or processes that can help older adults with cognitive challenges
• discuss the audiologist’s role in addressing cognition in adults with hearing loss

Contents

The following articles are included in this course:

• Cognitive Decline and Hearing Health Care for Older Adults, by M. Kathleen Pichora-Fuller
• About Cognitive Outcome Measures at Ecological Signal-to-Noise Ratios and Cognitive-Driven Hearing Aid Signal Processing, by Thomas Lunner
• Analysis of Performance on Cognitive Test Measures Before, During, and After 6 Months of Hearing Aid Use: A Single-Subject Experimental Design, by Jamie L. Desjardins
• Hearing Loss and Cognitive-Communication Test Performance of Long-Term Care Residents With Dementia: Effects of Amplification, by Tammy Hopper, Susan E. Slaughter, Bill Hodgetts, Amberley Ostevik, and Carla Ickert
• Using Cognitive Screening Tests in Audiology, by Jing Shen, Melinda C. Anderson, Kathryn H. Arehart, and Pamela E. Souza

Learning Assessment
Online, multiple-choice exam