Effects of hearing treatment on brain health in older adults
Long-term effects of hearing intervention on brain health in the Aging and Cognitive Health Evaluation in Elders (ACHIEVE) randomized study
This study is looking at how helping older adults with hearing loss might improve their brain health and lower the chances of developing Alzheimer's and other dementias, and it's inviting people aged 70-84 with mild to moderate hearing loss to participate in either a hearing treatment program or a healthy aging education program over three years.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10893386 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how treating hearing loss in older adults can impact cognitive decline and the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. Participants aged 70-84 with untreated mild-to-moderate hearing loss are being recruited to receive either hearing intervention, which includes best-practice hearing services and technologies, or an education control intervention focused on healthy aging. The study follows participants over three years to assess changes in cognitive health. By understanding the relationship between hearing loss treatment and brain health, the research aims to identify effective strategies for reducing dementia risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 70-84 who have mild-to-moderate untreated hearing loss.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have hearing loss or are younger than 70 years old may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved cognitive health and reduced risk of dementia for older adults with hearing loss.
How similar studies have performed: Previous observational studies have suggested a strong link between hearing loss and dementia, indicating that this approach may hold promise for future interventions.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Frank R — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Lin, Frank R
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.