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

✦ Related stories ✦

PubMed·Journal article·Clinical audiology·3w ago

Functional Benefits of Bilateral Bone Conduction Hearing Devices for Children and Adults With Conductive and Mixed Hearing Losses

Findings may support recommending bilateral (two-device) bone conduction fittings over unilateral for eligible patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss, but full results should be reviewed before changing fitting protocols.

PubMed·Journal article·Clinical audiology·6d ago

Sudden Hearing Loss in Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct Syndrome: A Systematic Review of Treatment and Outcomes

Audiologists and otolaryngologists managing patients with EVA and sudden hearing loss should note this review's synthesis of treatment outcomes, though the evidence base is likely limited by small, heterogeneous studies; current treatment decisions should be made in consultation...

PubMed·Journal article·Clinical audiology·5d ago

Effect of Type of Speech Equalization and Averaging Method on the Long-Term Average Speech Spectra of Five Indian Languages and British English

Audiologists fitting hearing aids for speakers of Indian languages should be cautious about applying British English or generic LTASS targets, as equalization and averaging method choices meaningfully affect the speech spectrum profile; language-specific LTASS data from this...

PubMed·Journal article·Clinical audiology·2w ago

The effect of real-ear adjusted chirp stimuli on auditory brainstem response threshold estimation and wave V parameters in children

If real-ear-adjusted chirp stimuli demonstrably improve ABR threshold accuracy in children, audiologists performing pediatric ABR testing should consider incorporating RECD-adjusted chirp protocols into their workflow.

PubMed·Journal article·Clinical audiology·7d ago

Conservative management of functional middle ear disorders: a systematic review with narrative synthesis and conceptual clinical framework

This systematic review may support structured decision-making for conservative management of functional middle ear disorders including tinnitus, but the narrative synthesis limits definitive evidence grading; no immediate protocol change is warranted without reading the full...

PubMed·Journal article·Clinical audiology·10d ago

Use of Envelope Following Response Normative Ranges for Diagnosing Cochlear Deafferentation

If normative EFR ranges are validated for diagnosing cochlear synaptopathy in clinical populations, audiologists should consider integrating EFR testing into their hidden hearing loss diagnostic workflow, but adoption should await full review of sensitivity and specificity data...

PubMed·Journal article·Clinical audiology·2w ago

Speech-in-noise difficulties in aminoglycoside ototoxicity reflects combined afferent and efferent dysfunction

Audiologists monitoring patients on chronic aminoglycoside therapy should assess both afferent (hearing nerve) and efferent (brain-to-ear tuning) function, as speech-in-noise difficulties in this population reflect dual-pathway dysfunction beyond standard audiometric thresholds.

PubMed·Journal article·Clinical audiology·4w ago

Adult deaf sign language users and audiology services: a scoping review on cultural competence practices

Audiologists serving Deaf sign language users should audit their cultural competence practices — this review identifies systemic gaps in training and inclusive service delivery that warrant attention now.