The link between improving hearing and thus improving cognition is an important emerging area of research in hearing rehabilitation, due to the independent association between hearing loss and dementia. This study uses visually assessed neurocognitive tests of working memory, information processing and non-verbal reasoning, as well as six standard speech recognition measures used after cochlear implantation (CI). There were 19 post-lingually deaf patients enrolled, with an age range of 49-82 years. Preop mini-mental state examination (MMSE) scores were all above 24, thus representing relatively good baseline preop cognition. The most interesting result was that a poorer baseline cognitive score results in the greatest post-implantation improvement in cognitive function. Both the cognition and speech test scores showed an improvement even at only six months post-implantation. This study, in comparison to other previous research, has undertaken a broader range of tests in a variety of domains in order to more comprehensively assess listening skills and higher order cognitive function. The aim of this study is to promote the role of pre-op cognitive function tests in CI patients so that their rehabilitation can be individually tailored. It has a wider aim of supporting the role of CI in hearing rehabilitation in patients with or at risk of cognitive impairment. Longer term studies of greater numbers of patients are obviously required, and ultimately any possible causal link between hearing loss and dementia remains to be elucidated.
Cochlear implantation in adults has a positive impact on overall cognitive function as early as six months postop
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