Age-related hearing loss and cognitive decline among community-dwelling older adults: a scoping review

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL), also known as presbycusis, is a major health concern among older adults and has been associated with cognitive decline and dementia. This scoping review aimed to map evidence on the relationship between ARHL and cognitive decline among community-dwelling older adults and identify knowledge gaps to inform future research and practice. Seven databases were searched for studies published in English or Korean between 2015 and 2025: PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, ProQuest Dissertations & Theses, RISS, KCI, and ScienceON. Eligible sources targeted community-dwelling adults aged ≥ 60 years and examined the association between ARHL and cognitive outcomes. Data were charted to characterize study designs, assessment methods, analytic directions, and patterns of findings, and contextual variables were classified according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) framework. Seventy-four sources met the inclusion criteria. Cross-sectional designs predominated, followed by longitudinal or cohort designs, whereas only one randomized controlled trial was included. The majority of studies focused on the body functions and structures components of the ICF framework, while relatively few addressed the activities, participation, and environmental components. This review identified predominantly adverse associations between ARHL and cognitive decline, although mixed and null findings were also reported. Future research should prioritize the investigation of the underexplored activities and participation components. Broader application of the ICF framework may provide a more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between hearing and cognition and support the development of holistic nursing and public health strategies aimed at promoting hearing and cognitive health among community-dwelling older adults. This scoping review protocol is registered in the Open Science Framework Registry ( https://osf.io/ec8px/overview ).