The reviewers said large-scale, long-term randomised controlled trials were urgently needed to isolate the true cognitive effects of hearing devices from non-specific influences. Image: Peter Maszlen/stock.adobe.com. A new meta-analysis challenges the view that treating age-related hearing loss can help preserve cognitive function....
Do not change practice based on this meta-analysis alone; it challenges — but does not overturn — the evidence linking hearing treatment to cognitive benefit, and the authors themselves call for large-scale RCTs before conclusions can be drawn.
The cognitive-benefit narrative is a major driver of hearing-aid uptake and public health messaging; if this meta-analysis is confirmed, it would require significant reframing of how audiologists counsel patients about the broader benefits of treatment.
- 01Meta-analysis challenges the assumption that treating presbycusis (age-related hearing loss) preserves cognitive function.
- 02Authors conclude existing evidence is insufficient to support a causal cognitive-preservation effect of hearing devices.
- 03Large-scale, long-term randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are called for to resolve the question.
- 04Findings have implications for patient counselling around hearing aids and dementia prevention messaging.
- 05Published via a trade audiology news outlet reporting on the underlying journal article.
Treating presbycusis with hearing devices preserves cognitive function.
studypartially supportedExisting evidence is insufficient to confirm a causal link between hearing device use and cognitive preservation.
studysupported- Publication type
- meta_analysis
- Evidence level
- 1a
- Population
- Adults with age-related hearing loss (presbycusis) treated with hearing devices
- Intervention
- Hearing device treatment for presbycusis
- Comparator
- No treatment / control groups from included studies
Primary outcomes
Cognitive function outcomes following hearing device use