Associations between hearing, subjective memory complaints, and dementia risk factors among audiology clients
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Objective In a clinical sample of audiology clients, we aimed to investigate associations between hearing loss (pure-tone audiometry), subjective hearing difficulty (self-report), subjective memory complaints, and well-known health and lifestyle risk factors for dementia.Design This study was conducted via an online self-report survey and review of clinical records.Study sample Clients (N = 399, 45% female, M age = 74) of a hearing services provider in Perth, Western Australia, took part in the study.Results Audiology clients reported high levels of subjective memory complaints, with 54% scoring above the clinically significant cut-off. Higher levels of subjective memory complaints were predicted by both higher level of hearing loss (β = −.25) and higher levels of subjective hearing difficulty (β = .24). Odds ratios indicated that subjective hearing difficulty, but not the level of hearing loss, was associated with a higher likelihood of self-reported health and lifestyle risk factors for dementia.Conclusion Clients attending audiology clinics may represent a promising target population for risk-reduction and timely intervention initiatives to address cognitive decline. Results highlight the importance of a holistic approach to hearing healthcare.
Language: English
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7140090475