Investigating how hearing loss affects brain health in midlife adults
Official title: Evaluating the associations of hearing loss with cognitive and brain health outcomes in midlife
Funded at Kaiser Foundation Research Institute · NIH-10984394 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how hearing loss might affect brain health in adults between 45 and 65 years old, to see if improving hearing could help lower the risk of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kaiser Foundation Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oakland, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $262,975 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG089427-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984394 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include midlife adults aged 45 to 65 who may be experiencing hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are younger than 45 or do not have any hearing loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the potential link between hearing loss and cognitive health in adults aged 45 to 65. It aims to determine if hearing loss is a modifiable risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, focusing on midlife as a critical period for intervention. The study will analyze data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study, which includes diverse populations, to fill existing knowledge gaps about hearing loss and cognition. By understanding these associations, the research seeks to inform strategies for preventing dementia.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that help prevent cognitive decline and dementia in midlife adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that addressing hearing loss in older adults may improve cognitive outcomes, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach focused on midlife.
Where this research is happening
-
Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
Oakland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brenowitz, Willa Domino — Kaiser Foundation Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Brenowitz, Willa Domino
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Noise-related hearing loss and its link to Alzheimer's progression
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A small, patient-friendly study will look at how loud noise changes the brain’s control over hearing and whether this affects conditions like tinnitus or sensitivity to sound.
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How loud noise can change the brain's sound decisions
This project looks at how loud noise-related hearing loss may affect how people process sounds and make quick decisions about what they hear.
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Understanding how tactile language and wearable tech can help DeafBlind children learn and use language
A study at Gallaudet University tests a new tactile language and wearable haptic devices to help DeafBlind children build early language and everyday life skills.
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.