How age and hearing loss affect the ability to process sounds

Effects of age and hearing loss on auditory temporal processing: Perceptual and electrophysiological measures

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-11052541

This study is looking at how getting older and having hearing loss make it harder to understand speech in noisy places, and it's for anyone who struggles with this issue, as it hopes to find ways to help improve their listening experience.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11052541 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how age and hearing loss impact the ability to understand speech in noisy environments. It uses advanced techniques like magneto- and electroencephalography (M/EEG) to measure brain responses while participants listen to speech. By analyzing these responses, the study aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to difficulties in speech perception due to aging and hearing loss. The findings could lead to better interventions and treatments for those affected.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who experience age-related hearing loss or difficulties in understanding speech.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have age-related hearing loss or are under 21 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for enhancing speech understanding in older adults and those with hearing loss.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research using similar M/EEG techniques has shown promise in understanding auditory processing, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.