Measuring brain responses to visual stimuli in people with hearing loss
Quantification of Visually Evoked Cortical Potentials in Individuals With Hearing Loss
This study is testing how the brain responds to visual images in people with hearing loss to see if it can help improve treatments for their condition.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Lebanon, New Hampshire) |
| Trial ID | NCT05107466 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This research aims to explore the use of Visual Evoked Potential (VEP) testing to assess brain responses in individuals with hearing loss. Participants will undergo two appointments where they will complete visual tests, VEP testing, auditory assessments, and cognitive evaluations. The study focuses on measuring the P300 wave, a specific brain response to new visual stimuli, to determine its relevance in improving treatments for hearing loss. The testing will be conducted at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, utilizing non-invasive electrodes to monitor brain activity.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old with varying degrees of hearing loss and central auditory processing dysfunction.
Not a fit: Patients with known brain pathology, severe neurological disorders, seizure history, or blindness may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for individuals with hearing loss by providing insights into their brain's response to visual stimuli.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of VEP testing is established in other conditions, its application in individuals with hearing loss is novel and has not been extensively studied.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion * Subjects will be recruited from the Otolaryngology/Audiology clinic at DHMC with the goal of enrolling subjects with a variety of degrees of hearing loss and central auditory processing dysfunction. * Age \> 18 y/o. * Current and new patients receiving care in the DHMC Otolaryngology clinic or from the employees of Dartmouth College, DHMC, and the community, will be included as allowed under COVID guidelines. Exclusion * Patients with known brain pathology (e.g., CNS tumors, CVA diagnosis, etc…) will be excluded. * Patients with severe neurological or neuropsychological disorders will be excluded. * Patients with known seizure history will be excluded. * Patients with known blindness will be excluded. * The following special populations will not be included: * Adults unable to consent * Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers) * Prisoners
Where this trial is running
Lebanon, New Hampshire
- Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center — Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: James E Saunders, MD — Department of Surgery, Otolaryngology section, Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Michaela M Geffert, BS
- Email: Michaela.M.Geffert@hitchcock.org
- Phone: 6036502054
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.