Hearing aids for veterans with normal hearing sensitivity
Official title: Evaluating Device-based Rehabilitation for Veterans With Functional Hearing Difficulties: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT06117254 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether hearing aids can help veterans with normal hearing who still have trouble hearing and communicating, comparing their results to standard care.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 79 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 142 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Portland, Oregon) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 9, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 29, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06117254 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are veterans eligible for VA healthcare who report significant hearing difficulties but have normal hearing thresholds.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with conductive hearing loss, significant otologic problems, or those who cannot perform experimental tasks may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of hearing aids in veterans who experience functional hearing difficulties despite having normal hearing sensitivity. It will compare the outcomes of device-based rehabilitation options, including hearing aids and communication counseling, against standard care practices. The research will also explore which patients benefit most from these interventions, helping to tailor future rehabilitation strategies. By addressing the needs of veterans who struggle with hearing and communication, the study seeks to provide evidence-based options for improving their quality of life.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide veterans with effective rehabilitation options for hearing difficulties, enhancing their communication abilities and overall quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there has been limited research on the rehabilitation of patients with normal hearing sensitivity, the study's approach is novel and aims to fill a significant gap in current audiological care.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Veteran eligible for VA Healthcare * Ability to travel to VA Portland Medical Center for repeated visits * Pure-tone thresholds of no more than 30 dB HL at frequencies between 500 and 3000 Hz, and no more than 40 dB HL at 4000 Hz * HHIA scores of 24 or greater indicating moderate to significant perceived hearing handicap Exclusion Criteria: * Conductive hearing loss or other significant otologic problems * Non-native English speakers * Inability to perform experimental tasks * Pure-tone interaural threshold asymmetries greater than 15 dB between 250 and 4000 Hz
Where it's running
-
VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR
Portland, Oregon, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Melissa A Papesh, PhD — VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR
- Study coordinator: Melissa A Papesh, PhD
- Email: Melissa.Papesh@va.gov
- Phone: (503) 220-8262
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
How severe obstructive sleep apnea affects the brain's processing of sounds and attention
This project will test whether severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults aged 20–60 changes how the brain automatically detects sound changes and pays attention to important sounds using EEG, sleep testing, and cognitive/hearing checks.
-
taVNS for knee osteoarthritis in Veterans
This study tests whether home-based transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) can relieve knee OA pain and reduce inflammation in Veterans, comparing it with corticosteroid injections.
-
Honest, Open, Proud for justice-involved veterans
This trial tests a peer-delivered stigma-reduction program for veterans with co-occurring mental health or substance use disorders who are involved with the justice system, to see if different delivery intensities help more veterans engage in care.
-
Tailor a Hand Hygiene Bundle for Acute Mental Health Care
We’re testing a new hand hygiene approach in VA mental health inpatient units to see if a tailored bundle and non-alcohol sanitizer can improve cleanliness and reduce infections.
-
Using smartphone video to measure knee movement in osteoarthritis
This project will test whether a smartphone video system called OpenCap can measure knee movement and mechanics in people with early knee osteoarthritis and how those measurements compare with lab motion capture, symptoms, and knee imaging.
-
Care coordination with passive mobile monitoring to help veterans with serious mental illness
This project tests a care-coordination approach that uses passive mobile data and peer coaching to help veterans with serious mental illness avoid emergency care and stay connected with their care teams.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.