Hearing aids utilization, effect factors, and its benefit in the association between hearing and cognition decline: A longitudinal follow-up in Shanghai, China

Abstract

Objective: To explore the rate and effect factors of hearing aids utilization in Chinese community elderly people, as well as the benefit role of hearing aids in the association of hearing loss and cognition decline. Methods: This study was designed based on a longitudinal 7-years follow-up conducted in Shanghai (China). Demographic characteristics, hearing level, hearing aids utilization and Activities of Daily Living (ADL) of participants were collected by Unified Needs Assessment Form for Elderly Care Questionnaire. Cognition function was assessed by Mini-mental State Examination (MMSE) scale. Multivariate logistic regression and linear regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: Hearing aids utilization rate in Chinese community elderly people is below 10 %. Participants with older age (≥80 years old), higher education (7–12 years and >12 years), who can manage money more independently were more likely to use hearing aids (P < 0.05). Whether hearing aids are used or not, hearing level is significantly associated with cognition in elderly people, but participants with hearing aids showed a slower cognitive decline speed. Conclusion: Hearing aids utilization may slow down the cognition descent via assisting hearing in daily life, so strategies need to be concerned in order to protect hearing function in all elderly and improve the use of hearing aids in HL elderly.

Keywords

• Hearing loss
• Hearing aids
• Cognition decline