The possibility of Auditory rehabilitation using a speech tracking method to improve the communication skills, attention and working memory in elderly subjects using hearing aids

Hearing loss is associated with the risk of depression, frailty, dementia, and lowered physical functioning, daily activities and cognitive functions. Hearing aids are the primary auditory intervention for age-related hearing loss. However, it is difficult for elderly people to understand what others are saying in noisy environments due to decline of cognitive functions, based on the processing speed, working memory, attention, and executive control. Elderly people with hearing aids require auditory rehabilitation to improve their listening and communication skills. Auditory rehabilitation using the speech tracking method (speech tracking training) consists of two processes, namely, improving listening and comprehension and acquiring communication skills. Speech tracking training improves attention and working memory. A questionnaire survey of the subjects who underwent auditory rehabilitation revealed remarkable changes, eliciting responses such as “Increase in conversation,” “Improved speech comprehension,” “Raised health awareness,” and“Willingness to participate in social practices”. The present investigation suggests the usefulness of speech tracking training to improve the listening ability and communication skills, and furthermore, to enhance the attention, working memory, and health literacy of elderly people.