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Semin Speech Lang 2018; 39(03): 197-210
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1660779
Review Article
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Dementia and Hearing Loss: Interrelationships and Treatment Considerations

H. Isabel Hubbard
1   Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
,
Sara K. Mamo
2   Communication Disorders Department, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, Massachusetts
,
Tammy Hopper
1   Communication Sciences and Disorders, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
22 June 2018 (online)

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Abstract

Hearing loss is common among typically aging older adults and those with dementia. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in the relationship between hearing and cognition among older adults, and in hearing loss as a modifiable risk factor for dementia. However, relatively less attention has been focused on the management of hearing loss among individuals with dementia and the key roles of speech–language pathologists and audiologists in providing such care. In this article, the authors review the literature on hearing loss and dementia, and analyze the research evidence for treatment of hearing loss in the context of major neurocognitive disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease. This article provides an up-to-date review of research evidence for hearing interventions, as well as recommendations for speech–language pathologists and audiologists to work together to ensure access to hearing health care and increased opportunities for meaningful life engagement for people with dementia and hearing loss.

Keywords

dementia - hearing - communication - audiology - speech–language pathology

Financial Disclosure

H. Isabel Hubbard receives a salary from the University of Alberta. She has no relevant nonfinancial disclosures.


Sara K. Mamo receives a salary from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She reports that she had meeting expenses paid by the Oticon Foundation. She has no relevant nonfinancial disclosures.


Tammy Hopper receives a salary from the University of Alberta. She has no relevant nonfinancial disclosures.