Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) is a common problem for older adults, leading to communication difficulties, isolation, and cognitive decline. Recently, hearing loss has been identified as potentially the most modifiable risk factor for dementia. Listening in challenging situations, or when the auditory system is damaged, strains cortical resources, and this may change how the brain responds to cognitively demanding situations more generally. We review the effects of ARHL on brain areas involved in speech perception, from the auditory cortex, through attentional networks, to the motor system. We explore current perspectives on the possible causal relationship between hearing loss, neural reorganisation, and cognitive impairment. Through this synthesis we aim to inspire innovative research and novel interventions for alleviating hearing loss and cognitive decline.

中文翻译：

---

与年龄有关的听力损失对大脑和认知功能的影响

年龄相关性听力损失 (ARHL) 是老年人的常见问题，会导致沟通困难、孤立和认知能力下降。最近，听力损失已被确定为痴呆症最可能改变的危险因素。在具有挑战性的情况下或听觉系统受损时聆听会使皮层资源紧张，这可能会更普遍地改变大脑对认知要求高的情况的反应方式。我们回顾了 ARHL 对涉及语音感知的大脑区域的影响，从听觉皮层，通过注意力网络，到运动系统。我们探讨了当前关于听力损失、神经重组和认知障碍之间可能因果关系的观点。