Listening effort in age-related hearing loss : Age-Related Hearing Loss, Brain Health, and Dementia

Slade, K. and McGarrigle, R. (2025) Listening effort in age-related hearing loss : Age-Related Hearing Loss, Brain Health, and Dementia. In: Age-Related Hearing Loss, Brain Health, and Dementia :. Academic Press, pp. 147-169. ISBN 9780443291999

Abstract

Listening to speech in noise is a complex and effortful process, which requires both bottom-up and top-down processing, and is a common difficulty encountered by older adults with hearing loss. Various theoretical models of effortful listening have been proposed, alongside an array of different measurement methods. In this chapter, we outline the use of such measures, including self-reports, behavioral tasks, pupillometry, cardiovascular measures, and neural measures, in the context of older listeners; highlighting the possible advantages and critical considerations of various approaches. The consequences of effortful listening, including disengagement, social isolation, and cognitive costs, are discussed, with emphasis on the importance of addressing effortful listening to ensure older listeners with hearing loss live engaged and enriched lives.