Age-related hearing loss (HL) is a global public health problem and linked to higher dementia risk. It is unknown if early hearing rehabilitation can maintain auditory processing pathways and also have cognitive benefits. Impact of dual sensory impairment (hearing, vision) in this context has not been studied. The Depts. of Otorhinolaryngology, Clinical Neurophysiology and Radiology of the Kuopio University Hospital and the Depts. of Neurology and Ophthalmology of the University of Eastern Finland teamed up for the Healthy Hearing for Healthy ageing (HAHA) Consortium taking an unprecedent multidisciplinary approach to investigate HL as a broader neurodegenerative entity with multifaceted manifestations currently unaddressed in clinical practice. The overall objective is to develop a new precision medicine model for early treatment of HL and prevention of HL-related cognitive impairment. Successfully addressing HL, vision and cognitive impairment is essential for healthy ageing.

2023

2027