Neurocognitive changes following cochlear implantation

Due to demographic changes the number of older adults will increase. Since not only cognitive, but also sensory abilities diminish with chronological age and are closely linked to each other, one has to question whether hearing restoration via cochlear implantation may counteract cognitive decline in the elderly.
Patients aged ≥50 yrs. suffering of age related bilateral profound or severe hearing loss were followed-up preand 12 months after cochlear implantation. Cognitive functions were assessed by a computer-based test battery (ALAcog) with 10 different subtests covering short- and long-term memory, processing speed, verbal fluency, attention, working memory and inhibition. Performance was compared pre- to postoperative as well as to an agematched control group.

Author(s): Völter Christiane

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