Dual- and Single-Task Training in Older Adults With Age-Related Hearing Loss: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

We aimed to investigate the effects of dualand single -task training in older adults with age-related hearing loss. Intervention groups included single-, dual -task training, and control groups. The dualand single -task trainings were held 2 days a week for 40 min for a total of 10 sessions for 5 weeks. We evaluated physical, cognitive, and auditory functions, quality-of-life, balance, concerns about falling, independence in activities of daily living, and dual -task performance. A total of 42 patients fully participated in this study. Statistically signi fi cant differences were observed in chair stand, chair sit-and-reach, global cognitive function, and delayed recall between the intervention groups and control group ( p < .05). There was no statistically signi fi cant difference in quality-of-life, balance, falling concerns, independence in activities of daily living, and dual -task performance between all groups ( p > .05). In conclusion, single- and dual -task training had a positive effect on physical and cognitive functioning in older adults with age-related hearing loss.