Effect of hearing aids on attention, memory, and auditory evoked
potentials: a pragmatic, single-blinded, and randomized pilot clinical
trial
Introduction: Population aging and its association with
cognitive impacts of hearing loss is a growing concern. As hearing is
restored and the auditory deprivation is reduced, the deleterious
effects of hearing loss may be prevented or attenuated
Objective: to compare, in a real-world scenario, the effects of
different levels of technology on attention, memory,
electrophysiological response, and self-perceived benefit of new users
of hearing-aids in a developing country such as Brazil.
Material and methods: A pragmatic parallel-group,
single-blinded, and randomized pilot clinical trial was conducted.
Patients were divided into 3 groups according to hearing aid technology:
(A) advanced technology; (B) basic technology; and (C) placebo.
Participants were ≥ 60 years old, had moderate sensorineural hearing
loss, and had never been exposed to hearing aid before. Prior to data
collection, patients were electronically randomized to receive unique
identity numbers. Patient numbers were placed in opaque envelopes until
the day of the first visit at which hearing aids were fitted with
appropriate amplification settings. Attention, memory, and latency of
auditory evoked potentials of patients were assessed while using the
hearing aids at baseline and then after 12 weeks of use. The primary
outcome was any improvement in scores on neuropsychological tests and/or
shortening of latency in the auditory-evoked potentials.
Results: A total of 22 individuals were assessed (A=8, B=6, and
C=8). Participants had a mean age of 80.4 (±6.1) years, were
predominantly female (63.63%), and were poorly educated (3.8±1.6
years). Comparison of groups A X C and of B X C revealed differences in
NEUPSILIN scores (Brazilian instrument) for reverse counting (p=0.002,
95%CI 5.9;20.55) and recognition (p=0.013, 95%CI -6.1;-0.88). No
difference between groups A and B were found. Responses on the
International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) differed for
the benefit (p<0.001), satisfaction (p=0.007), participation
restriction (p=0.012) and quality of life (p=0.037).
Conclusion: The level of technology of the devices had no
impact on the general satisfaction of new users of hearing-aids and
appeared to have no differential effect on memory or attention after 12
weeks of use of the sound amplification products.
Trial registration: UTN U1111-1250-9090; Brazilian Registry of
Clinical Trials RBR-3Z98RP.
Funding: None
Keywords: Hearing Aids; Electrophysiology; Attention; Memory.