Association of Hearing Loss and Cognitive Decline in the ACTIVE Longitudinal Study - Paper - Abstract

Sep 29, 2026

Hearing loss is investigated as a potential risk factor for dementia, despite inconsistent prior findings often driven by methodological limitations. Using data from the ACTIVE longitudinal study (n=2,802; mean age 73.63), baseline hearing loss was tested as a predictor of cognitive change across 12 years. Linear mixed models evaluated MMSE, processing speed, reasoning, and multiple memory measures while adjusting for demographics, depressive symptoms, and intervention effects. Results show hearing loss relates to worse baseline memory and faster memory decline, regardless of hearing aid use, while reasoning and processing speed remain unaffected.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Session 4030 (Paper): Cognitive Aging Across the Life Course

Abstract Citation ID: igaf122.1581

Study Aim and Rationale

Data Source and Sample

Measures and Modeling Approach

Key Findings

Implications

462 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 SESSION 4030 (PAPER) COGNITIVE AGING ACROSS THE LIFE COURSE: MECHANISMS, MEASUREMENT, AND CONTEXTUAL INFLUENCES Abstract citation ID: igaf122.1581 ASSOCIATION OF HEARING LOSS AND COGNITIVE DECLINE IN THE ACTIVE LONGITUDINAL STUDY Nathalie Gider1, Caitlin Northcutt2, Cynthia Felix3, George Rebok4, Karlene Ball5, Michael Crowe5, and Tyler Bell1, 1. University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California, United States, 2. University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, United States, 3. University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States, 4. Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States, 5. The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States Hearing loss has been identified as a potential risk factor for dementia, but findings remain inconsistent due to methodological Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 463 limitations, such as failure to account for hearing aid use and comorbidities like depressive symptoms. This study examined the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive decline using data from the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) Study (n = 2,802; Mean age=73.63, SD = 5 .91; 52.9% women; Mean education=13 .35, SD = 2 .66) . Linear mixed models assessed whether baseline hearing loss predicted changes in Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, processing speed (Useful Field of View), reasoning (Letter Series, Number Series, Letter Sets), and memory (Hopkins Verbal Learning Test, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test, Rivermead Behavioral Memory Test - Paragraph Recall) over 12 years, adjusting for age, sex, education, race, depressive symptoms, and intervention effects. At baseline, 48.8% of participants (n=1,205) reported hearing loss, with only 23.2%(n = 280) using hearing aids. Over time, individuals declined in memory (b=-.043, p<.001) . Those with hearing loss had worse baseline memory (b=-.256, p<.001) and experienced faster memory decline (b= -.013, p<.001) . However, hearing loss was not associated with differences in reasoning or processing speed at baseline or overtime (ps>.05), and hearing aid use did not moderate these associations (ps>.05). These findings suggest that hearing loss, regardless of hearing aid use, is linked to worsening memory but not other cognitive domains. Preventing hearing loss may be critical for preserving memory and reducing dementia risk. Addressing hearing loss in aging populations could enhance daily functioning and quality of life.

FAQs

What cognitive domains were assessed in this study?

The study evaluated MMSE, processing speed (Useful Field of View), reasoning (Letter/Number Series and Letter Sets), and memory using several verbal learning and behavioral memory tests.

How did hearing loss relate to memory outcomes over time?

Participants with hearing loss had worse baseline memory and showed faster memory decline across the 12-year follow-up.

Did hearing aid use change the association between hearing loss and cognition?

Hearing aid use did not moderate the associations; hearing loss was linked to worsening memory regardless of hearing aid use.

Sep 29, 2026

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