Measuring brain responses to high-pitched sounds in people with hearing loss
Auditory Brainstem Response Thresholds at 6 and 8KHz in Adults With Normal Hearing and Sensorineural Hearing Loss
This study is testing how well people with hearing loss can hear high-pitched sounds by measuring their brain responses to see if there's a difference between what they can hear and what their brain picks up.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Government |
| Locations | 1 site (Cardiff) |
| Trial ID | NCT06161857 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the auditory brainstem response (ABR) to high-frequency sounds in individuals with varying levels of hearing ability. Participants will undergo tests to determine the quietest sounds they can hear and the corresponding brain activity triggered by these sounds. The goal is to identify the differences between behavioral hearing thresholds and ABR thresholds, particularly for high-pitched sounds that contribute to clearer hearing. The study aims to recruit around 40 participants, including those with normal hearing and those with hearing loss.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old with varying degrees of hearing ability, specifically those who can reliably perform pure tone audiometry.
Not a fit: Patients with conductive hearing loss, ear infections, or those using cochlear implants or bone-anchored hearing aids may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the understanding of hearing loss and enhance diagnostic methods for individuals who cannot communicate their hearing abilities.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies using ABR for various frequencies, this specific focus on high-frequency sounds and the comparison with behavioral thresholds is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participant is able and willing to give informed consent. * Participant is over 18. * Hearing in the test ear of ≤90dBSPL at 6 kHz and 8 kHz in PTA * Able and willing to perform PTA reliably. * Able and willing to sit still comfortably for the duration of an ABR. Exclusion Criteria: * Any conductive element to hearing loss (air-bone gap on PTA of \>10dB). * Occluding wax, TM perforations or ear infections (on otoscopy) * CI or BAHA user * Abnormal outer of middle ear
Where this trial is running
Cardiff
- Cardiff and Value University Health Board — Cardiff, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Eirwin Chief Investigator
- Email: Eirwen.jones@wales.nhs.uk
- Phone: 02921 843179
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.