Improve speech-in-noise understanding for people with age-related hearing loss
Improving Speech in Noise Perception for Individuals With Age-related Hearing Loss
This project will try noninvasive ear vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) to see if it helps adults 55–80 with age-related hearing loss understand speech better in noisy settings.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 36 (estimated) |
| Ages | 55 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gainesville, Florida) |
| Trial ID | NCT07192757 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This pilot interventional study at the University of Florida will deliver transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) or a sham control to adults aged 55–80 with normal hearing or age-related hearing loss, including those who use hearing aids. Participants will complete speech-in-noise tests before and after stimulation to measure any changes in speech perception. Key exclusions include prior traumatic brain or noise injury, implanted medical devices or ferrous metal, known heart conditions, and medications that affect neurotransmitters targeted by vagus stimulation. The primary aim is to see whether taVNS produces measurable short-term improvements in speech-in-noise performance compared with sham.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults aged 55–80 with age-related hearing loss (with or without hearing aids) who do not have implanted devices, significant heart conditions, prior traumatic brain/noise injury, or medications that interact with vagus stimulation.
Not a fit: People with implanted medical devices (e.g., pacemakers), known heart conditions, a history of traumatic brain or noise injury, or on medications that affect relevant neurotransmitters are unlikely to be eligible and may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, taVNS could help older adults with presbycusis understand speech better in noisy environments and reduce social withdrawal.
How similar studies have performed: Small prior studies suggest vagus nerve stimulation can influence auditory plasticity, but using noninvasive taVNS specifically to improve speech-in-noise in presbycusis is novel and remains preliminary.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 55-80 years old * Normal hearing or age-related hearing loss (with or without hearing aids) Exclusion Criteria: * History of traumatic brain injury or noise trauma * Implanted medical devices (eg., pacemaker) or ferrous metal * Known history of heart conditions * Medications that impact neurotransmitters released by vagus nerve stimulation
Where this trial is running
Gainesville, Florida
- UF Health at the University of Florida — Gainesville, Florida, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Tracy Centanni, PhD
- Email: tracy.centanni@phhp.ufl.edu
- Phone: 3522948675
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.