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How is a hearing impairment such as tinnitus related to the risk of dementia?
Anusha Yasoda-Mohan, Ph.D.
College of the Holy and Undivided Trinity of Queen Elizabeth near Dublin
Dublin, Ireland
Background
Hearing and other sensory impairments are common in older adults and have also been associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. Although hearing impairments can be treatable, if left untreated, it can lead to social isolation and negatively impact a person’s quality of life.
Tinnitus, or the continuous ringing in one’s ears without an external sound source, is associated with cognitive impairment. However, the relationship between tinnitus and cognitive decline in older adults is unknown.
Research Plan
Dr. Anusha Yasoda-Mohan and colleagues will use clinical and demographic data from two population-based datasets – the Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Thailand study and the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing. First, the researchers will examine the prevalence of tinnitus and cognitive impairment in older adults compared to older adults with only one of the conditions. They will then examine the risk of developing cognitive impairment for individuals with tinnitus and vice versa.
Impact
Results from this study may provide new insights into the relationship between tinnitus and cognitive decline in older adults.
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