Due to demographic changes the number of people affected by sensorineural and cognitive
impairment increases. The association between cognitive and hearing abilities is well
known and recent studies indicate that cochlear implantation might have a benefit
on neurocognition in the elderly.
60 patients aged between 50 and 84 years (mean: 65. 8 y) suffering from severe bilateral
hearing impairment (HI) underwent a computer-based evaluation of short and long term
memory, processing speed, attention, working memory and inhibition prior to cochlea
implantation. Additionally, speech perception at 65 and 80 dB (Freiburger monosyllabic
test) as well as disease related (Nijmegen cochlear implant questionnaire) and general
(WHOQOL-OLD) quality of life were assessed.
So far 33 patients after 6 and 20 after 12 months post implantation were analysed.
After 6 months speech perception and quality of life significantly increased as well
as cognition regarding attention (p < 0.001), delayed recall (p = 0.03), inhibition
(p = 0.04) and working memory (2-back p = 0.0041; OSPAN-test p = 0.0077). The improvement
of the executive functions was the most remarkable. Results remained mostly stable
after 12 months. The OSPAN additionally enhanced after one year (p < 0,001). In contrast
long term memory did not improve earlier than after 12 months (p = 0.021). No correlation
between cognitive results and duration of deafness, speech perception and quality
of life was detected.
Cochlea implantation has a positive impact on speech perception, quality of life as
well as on cognitive abilities in the elderly although these effects seem to be independent
of each other.
