Cognitive function trajectories and influencing factors in Chinese older adults with self-reported hearing impairment: findings from CHARLS 2013–2020

Cognitive trajectories in hearing-impaired older Chinese adults fall into three categories: low-functioning decline, middle-functioning decline, and high-functioning stabilization. Age, education, sensory impairments, depression, nap duration, and retirement status influence these trajectories. Given the limited generalizability of these preliminary findings, further research is needed to clarify the potential confounding and mediating relationships among these factors before they can inform early intervention and policy initiatives.