Assessing cognitive function in older adults before and after cochlear implants

Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status for Hearing Impaired Subjects (RBANS-H) in Older Patients Before and After Cochlear Implantation: A Protocol for a Prospective, Longitudinal Cohort Study

Observational University Hospital, Antwerp · NCT02794350

This study is testing how getting cochlear implants affects the thinking skills of older adults with severe hearing loss over time.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages55 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Antwerp Academic / other
Locations1 site (Edegem, Antwerp)
Trial IDNCT02794350 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study evaluates the cognitive profiles of older adults with severe to profound hearing impairment using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status adjusted for hearing-impaired individuals (RBANS-H). Participants will undergo cognitive assessments before cochlear implantation and at six months, twelve months, and annually for up to ten years post-implantation. The study also includes audiological examinations, semi-structured interviews regarding cochlear implant use, and subjective questionnaires to assess quality of life and hearing benefits.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are individuals aged 55 or older who are candidates for cochlear implants due to significant hearing loss.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 55 or do not meet the criteria for cochlear implantation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of cognitive changes in older adults following cochlear implantation, potentially leading to improved patient outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on cognitive function in hearing-impaired individuals, this specific approach using RBANS-H in the context of cochlear implantation is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* age: 55 or older
* cochlear implant candidate (speech understanding in quiet worse than 60% at 65 decibel sound pressure level (dB SPL) in the best aided condition)

Where this trial is running

Edegem, Antwerp

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hearing ImpairedRBANS-HCochlear implantationCognitionOlder adultsRBANS
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 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.