| خلاصه مقاله | Introduction
Hearing loss, vestibular dysfunction, cognitive impairment and dementia have become common problems for older adults. Recent literature suggests there may be a significant effect of the vestibular and hearing loss on cognition. This study aims to investigate the relationship between age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and age-related vestibular loss (ARVL) concerning cognitive impairment and dementia by reviewing existing evidence.
Methods
In this study, systematic and umbrella review articles published in the last 5 years in PubMed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases were studied with specified keywords.
Results
ARVL affects multiple cognitive domains. Two thirds of Individuals with vestibular loss displayed cognitive impairment such as, short- term memory loss, difficulties with word retrieval, inability to prioritize tasks and poor executive functioning. Review articles also indicated a significant association between ARHL and cognitive impairment.
Conclusion
Hearing and Vestibular function declines with age, and that this age-related decline is associated with cognitive impairment and an increased risk of dementia. Hearing and vestibular loss may be a high risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia in older adults. Given that declines in cognitive ability are also associated with increased physical vulnerability and frailty, poorer psychological functioning and as well as poorer health related quality of life. Hypotheses for potential causes include: Brain atrophy resulting from reduced vestibular and hearing input to the brain and social isolation due to hearing loss and/or fear of falling. Regular hearing and vestibular screening programs for early identification and management of long-life hearing loss, tinnitus and vestibular loss is strongly recommended. Digital health technologies offer tremendous potential for shifting from traditional medical routines to remote medicine and transforming our ability to manage health and independence in aging populations. Tele-audiology services, which have become increasingly important following COVID-19, can be extremely beneficial in this context. |