Understanding hearing and communication challenges for older bilingual Latinx adults

Communication Challenges and Barriers to Hearing Care for Older Bilingual Latinx Adults

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST · NIH-10908425

This study is looking to help older bilingual Latinx adults with hearing challenges by understanding how their age, hearing ability, and language skills affect their ability to understand speech in noisy places, so we can better support their communication needs in everyday life.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS AMHERST (nih funded)
Locations1 site (HADLEY, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10908425 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research aims to improve access to hearing health care for older bilingual Latinx adults by investigating their unique communication needs. It will explore how factors like age, hearing ability, cognitive processing, and bilingual language history affect their ability to understand speech in noisy environments. The study will use both lab-based and virtual testing methods to assess speech understanding and cognitive skills. Additionally, it will employ ecological momentary assessment to gather real-time data on communication challenges faced in everyday life, providing a comprehensive view of their experiences.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are older bilingual Latinx adults who experience hearing challenges and communication difficulties.

Not a fit: Patients who are not bilingual or do not belong to the Latinx community may not receive direct benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved hearing care services tailored specifically for older bilingual Latinx adults, enhancing their communication abilities and overall quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there has been research on hearing care for older adults, this specific focus on bilingual Latinx populations is relatively novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

HADLEY, 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.