Mild hearing impairment can reduce verbal memory performance in a healthy adult population

Author(s): vanBeijsterveldt, C. E. M., Houx, P. J., Anteunis, L. J. C., Metsemakers, J. F. M., Jolles, J.

Journal/Book: J Clin Exp Neuropsychol. 2000; 22: P O Box 825, 2160 Sz Lisse, Netherlands. Swets Zeitlinger Publishers. 147-154.

Abstract: We studied to what extent immediate and delayed recall in an auditory verbal learning paradigm was affected by basic information processing speed (digit copying) and hearing acuity (average hearing acuity at 1, 2 and 4 KHz at the better ear). A group of 453 individuals in the age between 23 and 82 years with no overt hearing pathology was recruited from a larger study of cognitive aging (Maastricht Aging Study, MAAS). After controlling for age, sex, educational level, and processing speed it was found that a mild to moderate hearing loss predicted lower verbal memory performance. Auditory administered verbal memory tests can underestimate true memory performance, particularly in older individuals with unknown hearing status.

Note: Article van Boxtel MPJ, Maastricht Univ, European Grad Sch Neurosci, Dept Psychiat & Neuropsychol, POB 616, NL-6200 MD Maastricht, NETHERLANDS

Keyword(s): MINI-MENTAL STATE; SPEECH-PERCEPTION; ELDERLY LISTENERS; COGNITIVE-FACTORS; OLDER ADULTS; AGE

Zurück | Weiter