THE RELATIONSHIP OF PRESBYCUSIS WITH COGNITIVE FUNCTIONS

Abstract

Introduction: Presbycusis, age-related hearing loss, is one of the most commondiseases in geriatric patients. The present study aims to achieve early diagnosisof presbycusis, prevent cognitive disorders, avoid social isolation, and provideguidance for the treatment.Materials and Method: Presbycusis was diagnosed by routine biochemical,hormone, and audiological tests in patients aged ≥50 years with hearing loss whowere admitted to the ear-nose-throat outpatient clinic. Cognitive impairment wasexamined by a neurologist; all patients received the Mini-Mental State Examinationand Clock Drawing Test. Patients with dementia caused by metabolic and toxicdisorders, and patients with depression who scored >10 on Beck’s depression scalewere excluded from the study.Results: This prospective study was conducted between February 2016 andJune 2017. A total of 73 patients were included in the study; the mean ± SD agewas 71.44 ± 8.12 (min–max: 48-88) years; 42.5% (n = 31) were men and 57.5% (n =42) women. Following age correction, the Mini-Mental State Examination score ofpatients with hearing loss was lower than those without (Corrected Z = 2.229; p =0.026). The Clock Drawing Test score was lower in patients with hearing loss thanthose without (Corrected Z = 3.302; p < 0.001).Conclusion: The present study revealed that presbycusis is neglected butsignificant cause of dementia and leads to its rapid development. Close andregular monitoring of hearing loss in geriatric patients and enhancement of socialawareness on this issue are important factors for preventing dementia.