Older Adults Fitted with Cochlear Implants Exhibit Poor Brain Function

Older adults fitted with a cochlear implant have significantly poorer cognitive function than their normal-hearing counterparts, according to a study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience . Hearing loss is a risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia, according to a release published by EurekAlert! . The researchers suggest that rehabilitation should be adjusted to the cognitive profile of the person with the cochlear implant. Moreover, the more severe the hearing loss, the higher the risk for dementia. The researchers, noting that more studies were needed on the topic, said additional rehabilitation in the long-term after implantation, tailored to the cognitive profile of individuals, may be appropriate for people with cochlear implants.