Using over-the-counter hearing aids to help adults with cognitive decline from Alzheimer's disease
Official title: Over-The-Counter Hearing Aid Treatment For Adults With Cognitive Decline Due To Alzheimer's Disease And Related Dementias
Funded at Northwestern University · NIH-10740008 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how over-the-counter hearing aids can help adults with Alzheimer's and related dementias who also have hearing loss, making it easier for them to communicate and enjoy life more fully.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $443,758 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AG083928-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10740008 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, related dementias, or mild cognitive impairment and also experience hearing loss.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have cognitive impairments or hearing loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids can assist adults suffering from cognitive decline due to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. It focuses on the challenges faced by individuals who have both hearing loss and cognitive impairments, as these conditions can significantly hinder communication and overall quality of life. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of OTC hearing aids in improving communication abilities for these patients, considering their unique cognitive challenges. Participants will be assessed to determine how well they can use these devices and the impact on their daily functioning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance communication and quality of life for patients with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias by providing accessible hearing solutions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that addressing hearing loss in older adults can lead to improved cognitive function and quality of life, suggesting that this approach may be beneficial.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Souza, Pamela E. — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Souza, Pamela E.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
How COVID-19 infection and genes may influence memory and dementia risk
This study looks at how getting COVID-19 and a person’s genes together affect the chance of developing memory problems and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
-
NGF Metabolism as a biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
Researchers are studying whether patterns in nerve growth factor pathways in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical stages of Alzheimer's in people with genetic risk.
-
NGF metabolism as an early biomarker for cognitive decline in familial Alzheimer's disease
This project tests whether NGF pathway proteins in blood and CSF can signal early, preclinical changes in people with familial Alzheimer’s disease.
-
NGF Metabolic Dysfunction as a Marker of Cognitive Decline in Autosomal Dominant Alzheimer's Disease
This project looks at nerve growth factor pathways in people with a genetic form of Alzheimer's to see if blood and spinal fluid markers can identify early brain changes before symptoms appear.
-
Remote monitoring of Alzheimer’s changes in adults with Down syndrome
A study tests remote (at-home) ways to track Alzheimer’s-related thinking changes in adults with Down syndrome.
-
Tumor Susceptibility Gene 101: a microglial therapy approach to protect memory in Alzheimer’s disease
A Mayo Clinic team is studying a protein called TSG101 in brain immune cells to slow or prevent cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease.
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.