Measuring how hearing devices change social engagement in older adults with hearing loss
Official title: New Approach to Objectively Measure Social Engagement in Older Adults With Hearing Loss
Run by University of Southern California · NCT06781749 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 100 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | June 30, 2027 |
| Study ends | June 30, 2030 |
| Registry record updated | May 11, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06781749 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a 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.
✕Probably 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.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
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.
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 gone: 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.
Who can join: the full rules
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 it's running
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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
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Implanting Auditory Brainstem Devices in Children Without Cochleae or Auditory Nerves
This study is testing a special hearing device in children who can't hear at all due to problems with their ears or hearing nerves to see if it helps them hear better.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.