The relationship between hearing impairment and cognitive function: a 5-year longitudinal study.

Maximizing patients' cognitive functioning and quality of life is a key concern for nurses. Some data suggest that hearing loss may be associated with cognitive decline. To further assess this association, a 5-year longitudinal study was conducted using a community sample of 2,002 men and women ages 50 to 94. A relatively strong relationship between baseline hearing impairment and subsequent poorer cognitive function was found in both existing and new cases of cognitive impairment. These findings raise questions for nursing practice and support the need for increased dialogue and collaborative studies across specialties to both refine the understanding of the factors involved and develop clinical strategies to minimize sensory and cognitive loss. Copyright (c) 2008, SLACK Incorporated.