Investigating cognitive function changes in older adults with hearing loss using hearing aids

A Prospective Cohort Study On Change of Cognitive Function In Aged-related Hearing Loss With Hearing Aids

NA · Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University · NCT05694039

This study is testing if using hearing aids can help older adults with hearing loss think better and lower their chances of developing dementia.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment388 (estimated)
Ages60 Years to 85 Years
SexAll
SponsorSun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (other)
Locations1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT05694039 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This prospective cohort study aims to evaluate the impact of hearing aids on cognitive function in older adults aged 60-85 with age-related hearing loss. A total of 388 participants will be divided into a control group and an intervention group, with the latter receiving hearing aids and undergoing assessments over a five-year period. The study will include audiological evaluations, cognitive function tests, and brain imaging to determine the effectiveness of hearing aids in slowing cognitive decline and reducing dementia risk. The research is particularly focused on the long-term benefits of auditory intervention in this demographic.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 60-85 with sensorineural hearing loss and mild cognitive impairment.

Not a fit: Patients with profound hearing loss or those who have received cochlear implants will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved cognitive health and reduced dementia risk for older adults with hearing loss.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated that auditory interventions can positively affect cognitive function, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Age\>60yrs,≤85yrs(MCI prevalence was 6.7% for ages 60-64, 8.4% for 65-69, 10.1% for 70-74, 14.8% for 75-79,and25.2% for80-84); Sensorineural Hearing loss with pure-tone thresholds 25-70 dB HL at octave frequencies between 250 and 4000 Hz, 4 frequency PTA of ≥ 30 dB HL, and the PTA ≤ 90 dB HL; Diagnosed as Presbycusis; Score of 23 or below on Mini-Mental Status Exam (MMSE); Score of 22 or below on Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA);

Exclusion Criteria:

Hearing loss exceeding the limits that can be successfully aided with hearing aids (i.e., profound hearing loss); Significant history of otologic or neurologic disorders; Hearing loss remediated with a cochlear implant (cannot wear hearing aids); Any clinically significant unstable or progressive medical condition; Any condition which, in the opinion of the investigator, places the participant at unacceptable risk if he or she were to participate in the study.

Where this trial is running

Guangzhou, Guangdong

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Age-related Hearing Loss, Hearing Loss, Sensorineural, Hearing Aid, Cognitive Function Abnormal

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.