Age-Related Hearing Loss and Cognition: The Role of Bilingualism

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) has been associated with cognitive decline. Although bilingualism may influence cognitive performance, its interaction with hearing loss remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ARHL and bilingualism on cognitive functioning in older adults.

✦ Clinical Takeaway ✦

No immediate practice change is warranted; findings are preliminary and the causal relationship between bilingualism, age-related hearing loss, and cognitive protection has not been established — audiologists should monitor this emerging research area.

✦ Why It Matters ✦

If bilingualism is confirmed as a cognitive buffer against hearing-loss-related mental decline, it could inform counselling approaches and motivate broader audiological rehabilitation strategies targeting cognitive health.

✦ Key Points ✦

01Study examines whether bilingualism moderates the link between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline.
02Published in the Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research (JSLHR).
03Builds on the 'bilingual advantage' hypothesis in the context of auditory aging.
04Findings may have implications for counselling older adults with hearing loss from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
05Research direction is novel given the intersection of audiology, linguistics, and cognitive neuroscience.

✦ Claims & Evidence ✦

ClaimEvidenceSupport

Bilingualism modulates the relationship between age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline.

studyunclear

Speaking multiple languages may confer cognitive benefits that interact with hearing loss in aging.

studypartially supported

✦ Research metadata ✦

PMID: 42117909
DOI: 10.1044/2026_JSLHR-25-00649.
Journal: Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research
Publication type: research_article
Evidence level: 2b
Population: Older adults with age-related hearing loss, bilingual and monolingual groups
Intervention: Bilingualism (exposure to and use of multiple languages)
Comparator: Monolingual individuals with age-related hearing loss

Primary outcomes

Cognitive performance measures in older adults with hearing loss; Moderation effect of bilingualism on the hearing loss–cognition relationship

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