Hearing care for older adults with dementia to ease neuropsychiatric symptoms
Official title: Addressing Hearing Loss as a Common Unmet Contributor to Neuropsychiatric Symptoms
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11379115 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Johns Hopkins study tests whether using new hearing care tools can reduce behavioral and mood symptoms in people 65 and older with Alzheimer’s or related dementias.
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 start | June 15, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $766,418 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG076525-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11379115 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 65 and older with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias who have hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without hearing loss, or those unable to use hearing devices, may not experience benefit.
What this research studies
If you are 65 or older and living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, this project will explore whether addressing hearing loss with user-friendly, over-the-counter hearing technology can ease common neuropsychiatric symptoms like agitation, apathy, depression, and sleep problems. Researchers will work with people in real-world settings to see if better hearing supports better daytime functioning and mood, potentially reducing caregiver burden. The study builds on prior work showing a link between hearing loss and NPS and aims to translate that into practical, low-cost hearing solutions. Participation would involve assessments and use of hearing devices over time to observe any changes in symptoms and quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience fewer neuropsychiatric symptoms and improved quality of life, with easier daily living and less caregiver stress.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests a link between hearing loss and neuropsychiatric symptoms, with some early success using hearing care approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oh, Esther Seunghee — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Oh, Esther Seunghee
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.