Influence of Age-related Functional Hearing Loss on Memory / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To study the influence of age-related functional hearing loss on memory ability. Methods:From January to October, 2018, 30 patients aged 52 to 76 years visiting otolaryngology were screened hearing using a computer aided platform, and then were divided into two groups according to the results. Those with good speech recognition in noise (SIN < -2.63 dB) were in L group (n = 15) and those with poor speech recognition in noise (SIN > -2.63 db) were in H group (n = 15). They were assessed with Paired Associates Learning (PAL) and Spatial Working Memory (SWM) of Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery in loading of four, six and eight models. Results:The amount of errors of both PAL and SWM increased with the loading in both groups (χ2 > 28.182, P < 0.001). The amount of errors of PAL was less in L group than in H group under any loading (U < 53.5, P < 0.05), while the amount of errors of SWM only less under loading of six models (U = 55.0, P < 0.05). There was no significant interaction between hearing and loading (F < 1.680, P > 0.05). Conclusion:Age-related functional hearing loss tend to impair episodic memory rather than working memory, whatever the impacts of memory load.