Characteristics of cognitive functioning in persons with chronic sensorineural hearing loss

Abstract

Aim to identify the features of cognitive status in chronic sensorineural hearing loss (CNHL) by analyzing the subscales of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test. Material and methods. The study involved 45 people (aged 44 - 86 years, average age 57.8711.74 years) with chronic sensorineural hearing loss. The study design included assessment of complaints and anamnesis, examination of ENT organs, tonal threshold audiometry (AC-40, Interacoustics, Denmark), tympanometry (AC 226, Interacoustics, Denmark). Cognitive status was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool (MoCA) on seven subscales: Executive and visuospatial function, Naming, Attention, Language, Abstraction, Delayed recall, and Orientation. Results. The average total score for MoCA in persons with chronic SNHL (n=45) was 25.092.86 points out of 30 possible points, which indicates a trend towards a decrease in cognitive function. Cognitive impairments in individuals with SNHL were more pronounced on the subscales Executive and visuospatial function, Language and Delayed recall. Despite rather high average scores on the subscale Executive and visuospatial function, 100% completion was noted less than in half of the subjects in 46.66% (n = 21). Conclusion. Considering the cognitive characteristics of individuals with SNHL may improve the effectiveness of rehabilitation.