Integrating Mild Cognitive Impairment Screening Tools in Audiologic Care: A Review

Abstract

Purpose: The main purpose of this clinical focus article is to highlight the potential role of audiologists in screening for mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The secondary purpose is to review public health implications of integrating MCI screening procedures in audiologic care for older adults experiencing the dual burden of age-related hearing loss (HL) and cognitive decline. The tertiary purpose is to provide current evidence-based literature regarding cognitive screening tools available for detection of MCI in audiologic practice. Method: This clinical focus article is broadly organized into three sections: (a) public health burden of MCI and the role of audiologists in screening for MCI among older adults seeking audiologic care, (b) potential cognitive screening tools amenable for integration into audiologic practice, and (c) recommendations grounded in a public health audiology framework of assessment, policy, and assurance aimed at improving the audiologic outcomes for older adults experiencing the dual effects of age-related HL and MCI and reducing the overall public health burden of MCI. Conclusions: MCI presents an important public health concern for audiologists, as cognitive decline and age-related HL often co-occur. Given the projected increase in the number of older adults in the next 40 years, audiologists will cater to an increasing number of older adults seeking hearing care, who might also have concomitant MCI. Considering cognitive screening procedures in audiologic practice is a key step toward addressing this challenge. It will also be important to integrate cognitive screening procedures and interprofessional management of MCI into the training of future audiologists.