Exploring how listening effort affects understanding and memory in older adults with hearing loss

Understanding the effects of listening effort on sentence processing and memory in sensorineural hearing loss: Evidence from simultaneous electrophysiology and pupillometry

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · NIH-10952179

This study is looking at how people with hearing loss struggle to understand speech and how that can affect their memory, especially in older adults, to help find better ways to support their communication skills.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF UTAH (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10952179 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how individuals with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) 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 neural mechanisms behind listening effort and its impact on language processing. The goal is to better understand the cognitive demands placed on older adults with hearing loss, ultimately leading to improved assessments and interventions for enhancing their communication abilities.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older adults aged 21 and above who have been diagnosed with sensorineural hearing loss.

Not a fit: Patients with normal hearing or those with hearing loss not classified as sensorineural may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better strategies for improving speech comprehension and memory in older adults with hearing loss.

How similar studies have performed: 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

SALT LAKE CITY, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.