Hearing loss (HL) and dementia are both crucial causes of disability among older adults, which seriously threatened the quality of life and brought about huge disease burden on family and society. Hearing aids rehabilitation is of great significance in reducing the risk of dementia. According to the latest report from the Lancet Commission, eliminating hearing loss will reduce the incidence of dementia by 7%. Studies have indicated that hearing aid users have a lower risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to non-users. However, existing evidence is scarce on the effect of hearing aids on cognitive function among older adults with increased dementia risk, considering that those at high risk of dementia may face more difficulties, such as mastering knowledge and skills in hearing aid use, passing the adaptation period, and maintaining hearing aid use behavior. Therefore, we aimed to explore the status quo of hearing aid use and clarify the association between hearing aids and cognitive function among older adults with high risk for dementia. To be specific, we aimed to explore the utilization rate of hearing aids among older adults with HL and compare the adherence in hearing aid use between those with and without high risk for dementia. We also aimed to clarify the association between hearing aid use and cognitive function, including global cognition, episodic memory, and executive function. We also aimed to examine the association between hearing aid use and the risk of MCI and dementia incidence, along with the transition from MCI to dementia among older adults with high risk for dementia.
