Practices and perceptions of cognitive assessment for adults with age‐related hearing loss

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the landscape of cognitive impairment (CI) screening for adults with age‐related hearing loss (ARHL) among otolaryngologists and audiologists. To identify provider factors and patient characteristics that impact rates of CI screening and referral. METHODS: A 15 question online survey was sent to members of the Georgia Society of Otolaryngology (GSO), Georgia Academy of Audiology (GAA), American Otological Society and American Neurotology Society (AOS/ANS), and posted on the web forum for two hearing disorders special interest groups within the American‐Speech‐Language‐Hearing Association (ASHA). Responses were collected anonymously. Chi‐square tests were used to compare responses. RESULTS: Of the 66 included respondents, 61% (n = 40) were otolaryngologists and 35% (n = 23) were audiologists. Respondents were significantly more likely to refer patients for CI assessment than to screen (64% vs 21%, respectively, P < .001). The complaint of a neurological symptom, such as memory loss, would prompt screening or referral for only 27.3% (n = 18) and 51.52% (n = 34) of respondents, respectively. Forty‐two percent (n = 28) of respondents suggested CI screening with the MMSE vs 20% (n = 13) with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Despite recommendations for cognitive assessment in high‐risk populations, such as older adults with ARHL, the practice of CI screening and referral is not yet commonplace among otolaryngologists and audiologists. These providers have a unique opportunity to assess adults with ARHL for CI and ensure appropriate referral. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 5