Group singing benefits for older adults with hearing loss

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates the potential benefits of group singing for older adults aged 60 and above who have unaddressed mild-to-moderate hearing loss. It employs a multisite, randomized controlled trial design to assess improvements in speech-in-noise perception and psychosocial wellbeing. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a group singing intervention or an audiobook club, with outcomes measured through robust statistical analysis. The study aims to provide stronger evidence regarding the positive effects of group singing compared to previous smaller studies.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults aged 60 years and older;
2. Bilateral mild-to-moderate hearing loss (20-49 dB hearing level), measured using four-frequency pure-tone average across both ears (4FPTA) measured at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 4000 Hz;
3. Unaddressed hearing loss (i.e., participants must not currently use a hearing aid, cochlear implant, or assistive listening device);
4. No significant cognitive impairment, to be assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment for people with hearing impairment (MoCA-H), with participants requiring a score ≥ 24;
5. Not use a pacemaker or anti-arrhythmic agents/medications;
6. Not currently participating in regular active music learning (e.g., choir, formal music training) or audiobook clubs within the last year; and
7. Sufficient language capacity to understand and complete the test materials. Note: all materials will be presented written and/or aurally in English at the sites located in Canada, United States of America, and Australia; Dutch at the Netherlands site; and German at the Germany site.

Where it's running

• Toronto Metropolitan University
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting
• University of Groningen
  Groningen, Netherlands Recruiting
• Brain and Creativity Institute, University of Southern California
  Los Angeles, California, United States Not yet recruiting
• Flinders University
  Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Not yet recruiting
• Memorial University of Newfoundland
  St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Not yet recruiting
• Concordia University
  Montreal, Quebec, Canada Not yet recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Chi Yhun Lo, PhD
• Email: chi.lo@torontomu.ca
• Phone: 4169795000

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.