Early detection of Alzheimer’s and related dementia using speech from hearing aids

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

If you are an older adult who uses a hearing aid, this project aims to collect and analyze your speech signals to identify subtle changes that may signal the start or progression of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Researchers will use machine learning and advanced speech analysis to find markers in everyday listening situations, making the approach low-burden and scalable for home or clinic use. The ultimate goal is to provide a cost-effective, noninvasive way to track cognitive health over time and support timely medical decisions. The study is conducted by HEADWATERS INNOVATION, INC. with a focus on older adults at risk for ADRD and those living with the condition.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Headwaters Innovation, INC.
  Inver Grove Heights, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Bischoff, Brian John — Headwaters Innovation, INC.
• Study coordinator: Bischoff, Brian John

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Detecting and tracking Alzheimer's and related dementias using speech from hearing aids

  This project uses speech sounds captured by hearing aids and machine learning to look for early signs of Alzheimer's and related dementias in older adults.

  NIH research Headwaters Innovation, INC. · Inver Grove Heights, UNITED STATES · NIH-11181842

• Microvascular brain health and speech in people at risk for Alzheimer’s disease

  This study will look at how tiny blood vessels in the brain relate to speech and thinking changes in adults at risk for Alzheimer’s disease.

  NIH research Mgh Institute of Health Professions · Charlestown, UNITED STATES · NIH-11360881

• How background noise changes children's word recognition with and without hearing aids

  This project looks at how different kinds of background noise slow down how quickly children with normal hearing and children who use hearing aids recognize words and their meanings.

  NIH research The House Institute Foundation · Los Angeles, UNITED STATES · NIH-11326660

• Benefits of speech-based hearing tests and low-gain hearing aids for blast-exposed Veterans

  A study in veterans exposed to blasts will test a new, data-driven way to fit low-gain hearing aids using speech-based hearing tests to help with difficult listening in noisy places.

  NIH research VA Loma Linda Healthcare System · Loma Linda, United States · NIH-11323522

• Everyday speech tests to detect and monitor Alzheimer’s and related dementias

  This project uses short recorded speech on phones to look for early signs of Alzheimer’s and track language changes over time.

  NIH research University of Wisconsin-Madison · Madison, United States · NIH-11301020

• Understanding how background noise affects speech recognition in children with and without hearing aids

  This study looks at how background noise affects kids' ability to understand speech, especially for those with normal hearing and those who use hearing aids, using eye-tracking technology to see how well they can follow spoken words in noisy situations.

  NIH research The House Institute Foundation · Los Angeles, UNITED STATES · NIH-11111041

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.