Age-related hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment: a meta-analysis and systematic review of population-based studies
Kimberley Lau, Diitriadis, P.A., Caroline Mitchell, Marrissa Martyn-StJames, Daniel Hind, Jaydip Ray
Abstract
Background \n \nThe aim of this study was to identify any relationship between hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment. \n \n \n \nMethod \n \nThis was a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials conducted using Medline and the Cochrane Library up to 24 June 2020. Prospective, cohort and cross-sectional, and observational studies that reported on the relationship between mild cognitive impairment and hearing loss were included. \n \n \n \nResults \n \nA total of 34 studies reporting data on 48 017 participants were included. Twenty-three studies observed a significant association between hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment. The pooled risk ratio across all studies of prevalence of mild cognitive impairment in people with hearing loss was 1.44 (random-effects; 95 per cent CI = 1.27–1.64; p < 0.00001; I2 = 0 per cent). Significantly more people with mild cognitive impairment had peripheral hearing loss compared with those without (risk ratio, 1.40 random-effects; 95 per cent CI = 1.10–1.77; p = 0.005; I2 = 0 per cent). When the incidence was studied, significantly more people with peripheral hearing loss had mild cognitive impairment compared with those without (risk ratio = 2.06 random-effects; 95 per cent CI = 1.35–3.15; p = 0.0008; I2 = 97 per cent); however; a high level of statistical heterogeneity was evident. \n \n \n \nConclusion \n \nMost of the studies included in this systematic review observed a significant association between hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment.