Limkitisupasin, Patcharaorn;
Nilchaeng, Pimpanee;
Chokesuwattanaskul, Anthipa;
Tangwongchai, Sookjaroen;
Bamiou, Doris-Eva;
Utoomprurkporn, Nattawan;
(2025)
Unveiling the potential of the Digits-in-Noise test as a hearing screening tool for older adults with cognitive impairment.
Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease
10.1177/13872877251376949.
(In press).
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Abstract
Background: The Digits-in-Noise (DIN) test is recognized as a promising hearing screening tool due to its feasibility and reliability, particularly in noisy environments. Although endorsed by the World Health Organization for general population hearing screening, it has not been validated in older adults with cognitive impairment, such as mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. / Objective: To address this gap, this study aimed to evaluate diagnostic accuracy of DIN compared to pure-tone audiometry, marking the first validation of the DIN test in this specific group. / Methods: Participants with MCI and dementia were recruited from memory clinics. Each participant underwent an audiologic evaluation, including the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Elderly, pure-tone audiometry, and smartphone-based DIN test. Additionally, the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, was administered. / Results: Among 93 adults (mean age 71.9), an optimal speech reception threshold (SRT) cutoff of −3.5 dB yielded 90.5% sensitivity and 50% specificity for detecting moderate hearing loss. The area under the curve was 0.649 for mild hearing loss and 0.746 for moderate. A significant weak positive correlation was observed between SRT and pure tone average (ρ= 0.35, p < 0.001) / Conclusion: Our findings underscore the potential of the DIN test in detecting disabling hearing loss among cognitively impaired individuals, which warrants immediate hearing intervention to improve their quality of life. / Trial Registration: Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20221222004), https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | Unveiling the potential of the Digits-in-Noise test as a hearing screening tool for older adults with cognitive impairment |
| Location: | United States |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.1177/13872877251376949 |
| Publisher version: | https://doi.org/10.1177/13872877251376949 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive dysfunction, hearing loss, hearing tests, speech perception |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > School of Life and Medical Sciences > Faculty of Brain Sciences > The Ear Institute |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10213936 |
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