Exploring how listening effort affects memory and understanding in older adults with hearing loss
Official title: Understanding the effects of listening effort on sentence processing and memory in sensorineural hearing loss: Evidence from simultaneous electrophysiology and pupillometry
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10782437 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how people with hearing loss struggle to understand speech and how that can affect their memory, and it aims to find ways to help improve their listening and thinking skills in everyday conversations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $152,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R21DC019437-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10782437 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 21 and above who are experiencing sensorineural hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with normal hearing or those who do not have difficulties with speech comprehension may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how individuals with sensorineural hearing loss experience increased difficulty in understanding speech, which can lead to cognitive challenges such as memory issues. By using advanced techniques like electrophysiology and pupillometry, the study aims to uncover the cognitive and neural mechanisms behind the extra effort required to process speech. The goal is to develop better assessments and interventions that can enhance speech comprehension and memory for those affected by hearing loss. Participants will contribute to understanding how listening effort impacts their daily communication and cognitive health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for helping older adults with hearing loss better understand speech and retain information.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cognitive challenges associated with hearing loss, indicating that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Payne, Brennan — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Payne, Brennan
Related research
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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.