Peripheral and central hearing impairment and their relationship with cognition: a review

Objective: To consider the relationships between both peripheral and central hearing impairment and cognition.

Design: Narrative review.

Study sample: Numerous studies exploring the relationship between hearing impairment and cognitive function, particularly in an older population.

Results: In addition to the well-documented relationship between peripheral hearing loss and cognition highlighted in previous comprehensive reviews, there is also some evidence to suggest that there is a relationship between central hearing impairment and cognition. Further research is required to better understand this relationship and its effects on hearing aid benefit in people with both peripheral hearing loss and central hearing impairment.

Conclusions: To fully understand the relationship between hearing impairment and cognitive impairment, not only peripheral but central hearing needs to be considered. Such knowledge could be of benefit in the clinical management of people with both peripheral hearing loss and central hearing impairment.