Effects of nicotine on hearing in older adults
Effects of Nicotine and Attention on Frequency Tuning in Auditory Cortex
This study tests if chewing nicotine gum can help older adults hear better and understand speech in noisy places.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, Berkeley Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Berkeley, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05018117 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study investigates how nicotine can enhance auditory-cognitive function in older adults by mimicking the brain's attention system. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the research will measure the frequency selectivity of the auditory cortex in response to tones before and after nicotine administration via chewing gum. The hypothesis is that aging decreases frequency selectivity, while nicotine may restore it, potentially improving the ability to understand speech in noisy environments.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are non-smoking older adults with minimal nicotine dependency who experience age-related hearing challenges.
Not a fit: Patients with significant hearing loss, psychiatric or neurological disorders, or those who smoke heavily may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved auditory function and communication abilities in older adults experiencing age-related hearing deficits.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using nicotine to enhance auditory function is innovative, similar studies have shown promising results in related areas of cognitive enhancement.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * non-smokers with a score of 0-2 out of 10 maximum on the Fagerström index of smoking dependency Exclusion Criteria: * deafness or excessive hearing loss * smokers with a score between 3 and 10 on the Fagerström index of smoking dependency * history of psychiatric illness, neurological disorders, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, or cardiovascular disease * regular use of prescription medications (excluding oral contraceptives) * drug dependency
Where this trial is running
Berkeley, California
- University of California, Berkeley — Berkeley, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michael A Silver, PhD — University of California, Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Michael A Silver, PhD
- Email: masilver@berkeley.edu
- Phone: 5106423130
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.