Hearing Loss and Cognitive Aging in Latino Adults

Overview

Hearing loss is a modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia, yet Latino populations remain underrepresented in research examining these relationships. Disparities in access to hearing healthcare, along with social and cultural factors, may influence both hearing and cognitive outcomes in this population.

This line of work examines the intersection of hearing loss, cognitive function, and social determinants of health among Latino adults, with the goal of identifying pathways to reduce disparities in cognitive aging.

Objectives

  • Characterize the relationship between hearing loss and cognitive function in Latino adults
  • Examine social and cultural factors (e.g., familism, social support) that influence outcomes
  • Identify disparities in hearing aid use and access to care
  • Evaluate hearing loss as a potential intervention target for reducing dementia risk

Methods

This work integrates epidemiologic and mixed-methods approaches:

  • Secondary Data Analysis: Large-scale datasets examining hearing, cognition, and health outcomes
  • Quantitative Studies: Associations between hearing loss, cognitive function, and chronic health conditions
  • Psychosocial Measures: Assessment of family structure, social support, and cultural factors
  • Community-Engaged Research: Inclusion of Latino populations historically underrepresented in aging research

Current Status

Ongoing. Multiple studies are in progress examining hearing loss and cognitive function among Latino adults, including funded pilot work and collaborative projects.

Funding

This work is supported by:

  • Alzheimer’s Association – Hearing loss and cognition among older Latino adults
  • National Institutes of Health (NIA, via Children’s Hospital Los Angeles) – Hearing loss and cognitive function in Latino adults
  • Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Centers for Minority Aging Research (AD-RCMAR) – Dementia and hearing loss in older Latino adults

Team

  • Principal Investigator: Laura Coco, PhD, AuD, CCC-A
  • Collaborators in psychology, social work, and epidemiology
  • Student researchers (AuD, MPH, MA, undergraduate)

Opportunities to Get Involved

  • Secondary data analysis (large datasets on aging and cognition)
  • Manuscript development in hearing and cognitive aging
  • Interdisciplinary collaboration across audiology, public health, and gerontology

See the Open Positions page for volunteer, course credit, and paid opportunities.

Why This Research Matters

Latino populations are disproportionately affected by both hearing loss and barriers to healthcare access, yet remain underrepresented in dementia research. Understanding how hearing loss contributes to cognitive decline in this population is critical to developing equitable, scalable interventions that support healthy aging.