Factors Affecting the Auditory Working Memory of the Elderly

Purpose: Working memory is a major factor in language processing but, together with communication skills, it may become diminished during aging. This study was designed to determine individual differences in working memory in an elderly population according to auditory factors. Methods: Individuals older than 60 years of age and living in Seoul, Korea, were administered auditory, cognitive function, and working memory tests. Cognitive function was measured using the Korean version of Mini-Mental State Examination. Results: Working memory scored significantly higher as the average hearing and high-pitched hearing thresholds were better. As a result of multiple regression analysis, the factors that significantly affected working memory were average hearing threshold, highfrequency hearing threshold, cognitive function, and educational background. Conclusion: It can be seen that working memory is a problem of cognitive function and hearing threshold rather than the age of the elderly group. Cognitive function in the elderly group is complex with educational background, but is an independent factor with hearing, and is considered to be the main factor influencing working memory in relation to speech recognition.