Hearing loss is a common condition with aging and is a significant risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ear, is a symptom that frequently occurs concomitantly with hearing loss. Tinnitus has been assumed to have a negative impact on cognition, largely due to this high comorbidity. However, the association between tinnitus and cognition remains controversial due to the diversity of tinnitus patients and the interactions tinnitus has with age and hearing loss. In the current study, we aim to assess the association between tinnitus and cognition while considering many of those variables that co-occur with emphasis on hearing loss. The expected duration of the project is 24-36 months. Outcomes from the project will help in getting better estimates of the impact hearing loss has on cognition and the underlying mechanisms. Moreover, project outcomes may guide treatments in hearing loss to prevent/delay cognitive decline and provide recommendations for cognitive assessments in tinnitus treatments.
