Driven largely by research in the last decade linking hearing and cognition among older adults, hearing loss has been prominently featured in mainstream media more so than ever before. Whether supported by evidence or not, claims regarding hearing aids to mitigate this association have accompanied most pieces. This session will present an in-depth review and assess the methodologic rigor of the epidemiologic literature on hearing and cognition, describe the summary of the current body of literature within an epidemiologic causal framework,  deconstruct the interpretation of recent clinical trial findings on whether hearing aids delay cognitive decline, and consider differences in population versus individual-level interpretation of the entire body of research. The overarching aim of this session is for attendees to walk away prepared and comfortable discussing the nuances of evidence on hearing, hearing aids, and cognition with their patients.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the plausibility of a causal association between hearing loss and cognitive decline among older adults.
2. Identify bias within the current literature on the association of hearing loss with cognitive decline and dementia among older adults.
3. Describe the impact, or lack thereof, of treating hearing loss on cognitive decline over 3 years based on recent trial results.