Lena L N WONG, PhD | The University of Hong Kong; Shangqiguo WANG, PhD
Competition Sponsor: Research Grants Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
Award Year: 2024
Hearing loss and cognitive decline are common challenges faced by older adults worldwide. In fact, more than 42% of people over 60 experience some degree of hearing loss, and about 16% of those over 50 suffer from mild cognitive impairments. These conditions not only affect the quality of life but also bring significant economic burdens. For instance, the cost of dementia care reached $1 trillion globally in 2018 and is expected to double by 2030.
Similarly, the economic impact of hearing loss was over $981 billion in 2019. This burden is expected to continue to increase, as the global older adult population is anticipated to double between 2015 and 2050.Recognizing the urgent need for early detection of these conditions, our lab developed a promising tool in 2023: the Integrated Digit-in-Noise Test (iDIN). This innovative test quickly screens for hearing and cognitive function by measuring how well individuals recognize digit sequences in noisy environments. Our preliminary data indicates that iDIN has great potential to become a global screening tool, but it requires further refinement and more clinical evidence to achieve this goal.
In this study, we aim to optimize the iDIN testing process and explore its relationship with different cognitive domains to enhance test effectiveness. We will also gather more clinical evidence to support its global implementation. This research is a step towards providing an accessible and efficient tool for early intervention in hearing and cognitive decline, ultimately improving communication, wellbeing, and management for patients and caregivers worldwide.