Early hearing loss detection in a memory clinic

DEAFNESS SCREENING IN A MEMORY CENTER IN SUBJECTS WITH COGNITIVE DISORDERS

Not applicable Interventional University Hospital, Lille · NCT06088953

This project uses a VRB speech-in-noise test to try to detect hearing problems in people with mild to moderate cognitive impairment seen at a memory clinic.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages50 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Lille Academic / other
Locations1 site (Lille)
Trial IDNCT06088953 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Age-related hearing loss often appears gradually and can be missed when patients also have cognitive problems. This single-center project at Hôpital Roger Salengro uses a VRB speech-in-noise test administered in the memory clinic to detect speech perception difficulties in ambulatory patients with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Participants must be French-speaking, socially insured, have an MMSE score of 15 or higher, and attend with a study partner, while people with diagnosed deafness, major visual or language disorders, or unstable psychiatric conditions are excluded. The goal is earlier identification of hearing-in-noise deficits so clinicians can offer timely management and support to improve communication and care.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are French-speaking adults with mild to moderate cognitive impairment (MMSE ≥15) who are socially insured, can give written consent, and can attend the memory clinic with a study partner.

Not a fit: Patients with a prior diagnosis of deafness, major visual or language disorders, unstable psychiatric conditions, or those under major legal protection are unlikely to benefit from this specific test.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, earlier identification of hearing-in-noise problems could lead to timely hearing rehabilitation and improved communication and quality of life for affected patients.

How similar studies have performed: Speech-in-noise testing has revealed hearing deficits linked to cognitive decline in prior studies, but applying the VRB test specifically in an ambulatory memory-clinic setting is a relatively new approach with limited direct evidence.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient with mild to moderate cognitive impairment, with an MMSE score ≥15/30
* Patient mastering the French language
* Patient who has given written consent to participate in the trial
* Socially insured patient
* Patient willing to comply with all study procedures and duration
* Patient accompanied by a study partner

Exclusion Criteria:

* Medical history of diagnosed deafness, fitted or not
* History of progressive otological pathology or presence of tympanic obstruction (\>1/3 of the surface of the eardrum)
* History of unstabilized psychiatric pathology
* Major visual impairment (Age-Related Macular Degeneration AMD...)
* Established diagnosis of major language disorders (Primary Progressive Aphasia APP...)
* Major under legal protection measure

Where this trial is running

Lille

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 Cognitive DisorderDeafness
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.