Measuring how hearing devices change social engagement in older adults with hearing loss
New Approach to Objectively Measure Social Engagement in Older Adults With Hearing Loss
University of Southern California · NCT06781749
This project will try hearing devices to see if they change social activity, thinking, and brain signals in adults aged 60 and older with hearing loss.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California (other) |
| Locations | 2 sites (Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06781749 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study compares three groups: older adults with normal hearing, those with bilateral hearing loss who do not use hearing aids, and those already using hearing aids. Participants complete about 60 minutes of questionnaires about background, health, hearing, and social activity, plus cognitive testing, and some will have EEG recordings to measure brain activity. For people who begin using hearing devices, researchers will compare social, cognitive, and EEG measures before and after device use and compare results across the three groups. The team will test whether changes in social interaction explain any changes in thinking and whether EEG patterns shift with hearing-device use.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are English- or Spanish-speaking adults aged 60 or older who either have normal hearing or have bilateral hearing loss and either do or do not currently use hearing aids.
Not a fit: People younger than 60, those unable to complete questionnaires in English or Spanish, or those with hearing loss caused by tumors or only one-sided hearing loss are unlikely to qualify or benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians and patients understand whether hearing devices improve social life and thinking in older adults and inform hearing-care decisions.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown mixed but promising evidence that treating hearing loss with hearing aids can improve social engagement and cognitive outcomes, though findings are not yet definitive.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age \>= 60 years * English or Spanish speaking * Group 1- older adults with normal hearing defined as speech frequency PTA \<25dB HL in bilateral ears * Group 2- older adults with bilateral hearing loss who are not using hearing aids * Group 3- older adults with bilateral hearing loss, who are currently using hearing aids Exclusion Criteria: * Age \<60 years * Unable to complete questionnaires in English or Spanish
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations
- Los Angeles General Medical Center — Los Angeles, California, United States (RECRUITING)
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, California, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Janet Choi, MD, MPH
- Email: janet.choi@med.usc.edu
- Phone: 323-442-5790
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.
Conditions: Hearing Loss, Bilateral, hearing loss, hearing aids, cognition, dementia