Researched by Nez Sharp, Dr Helen Nuttall and Dr Kate Slade
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Presbycusis, age-related hearing loss (ARHL), is a form of high-frequency hearing loss that develops gradually over the life span, affecting over 40% of over 50s and increasing to 70% of over 70s. Hearing loss is associated with cognitive decline and dementia. Several large cohort studies suggest that hearing aids may be protective against dementia and cognitive decline. Many hearing aid users struggle to adjust to the new auditory input; 20% of people with hearing aids do not use them.
The brain changes physiologically in response to hearing aids, and multiple factors affect its neuroplastic potential. One factor is cardiovascular disease, which damages brain tissue. Low neuroplastic potential could be related to lower uptake of hearing aids.
Our research aims to investigate if cardiovascular disease in those over 65 reduces neuroplastic response to hearing aids. I will measure changes in the amplitude of cortical brain responses to sound using encephalography (EEG), comparing responses from before hearing aid initiation to two weeks after hearing aid initiation. I will also measure changes in speech-in-noise perception. Understanding a possible mechanism behind poor hearing aid acclimatisation will help identify those who may struggle to adjust and need extra support from audiologists.