Longitudinal study of self-reported hearing loss and subjective cognitive function decline in women

Introduction: We investigated the relation between self-reported hearing loss and risk of subjective cognitive function (SCF) decline among women. Methods: We conducted a longitudinal study of 20,193 women in the Nurses' Health Study aged >= 66 years who reported their hearing status and had no subjective cognitive concerns in 2012. SCF scores were assessed by a 7-item questionnaire in 2012 and 2014. SCF decline was defined as a new report of at least one cognitive concern during follow-up. Results: Self-reported hearing loss was associated with higher risk of SCF decline. Compared with women with no hearing loss, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for incident SCF score >= 1 were 1.35 (1.25, 1.47), 1.39 (1.24, 1.56), and 1.40 (1.21, 1.75) among women with mild, moderate, and severe hearing loss, respectively. Recent progression of hearing loss was associated with even higher risk. Discussion: Self-reported hearing loss was associated with higher risk of incident subjective cognitive function decline in women.