There is an evidence-gap on how different hearing devices influence cognition. This study aimed to simultaneously compare cognitive performance across key domains among hearing aid, cochlear implant and bimodal device users.
✦ The floor
Discussion
Signed responses from readers of the wire.
Results may inform counseling about cognitive benefits of hearing device use, but the study design and any confounding variables should be examined before changing fitting or recommendation practices.
Understanding whether specific hearing technologies differentially support cognitive function is critical for counseling patients — particularly older adults at risk for dementia — on device selection and consistent use.
- 01Published in Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience, addressing an evidence gap on hearing tech and cognition.
- 02Compared cognitive performance across hearing aid users, cochlear implant users, and non-device users.
- 03Multiple cognitive domains (e.g., memory, attention, processing speed) were assessed.
- 04Addresses a meaningful clinical question about which hearing technology best supports brain health.
- 05Study design details (sample size, randomization) not specified in the summary — limiting strength assessment.
Different hearing device types are associated with differing levels of cognitive performance.
studyunclear- PMID
- 42621042
- DOI
- 10.3389/fnagi.2026.1887207.
- Journal
- Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 2b
- Population
- Adults using hearing aids, cochlear implants, or no hearing device
- Intervention
- Use of hearing aids or cochlear implants
- Comparator
- No hearing device users
Primary outcomes
Cognitive performance across multiple domains (e.g., memory, attention, processing speed)