Study on how sound exposure affects hearing health
Apple Hearing Study: Characterization of Headphone Audio Levels, and Optional Wristwatch-Based Environmental Sound Levels, with Variable User Interface
This study is testing how different sounds we hear every day affect our hearing health over time for people who own an iPhone.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 300000 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Apple Inc. Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 1 site (Ann Arbor, Michigan) |
| Trial ID | NCT04172766 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The Apple Hearing Study is a collaboration between the University of Michigan and Apple that investigates the impact of sound exposure on hearing health over time. Participants, who must own an iPhone, will be randomly assigned to either a 'Basic' or 'Advanced' user interface in the Apple Research app. The study will measure headphone and environmental sound exposures and assess their effects on hearing and stress levels through surveys and hearing tests. This innovative approach aims to enhance understanding of listening behavior and its implications for hearing health.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are U.S. residents aged 18 and older who own an iPhone and are proficient in English.
Not a fit: Patients who do not own an iPhone or are not proficient in English may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved strategies for preventing hearing loss and managing noise exposure.
How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on hearing loss and sound exposure, this specific approach using smartphone technology is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age ≥ 18 years at time of eligibility screening, ascertained from self-reported date of birth. Potential subjects in the states of Alabama and Nebraska must be 19 or older (legal age of consent in these states), and 21 and older for any subjects in Puerto Rico. * Live in the United States of America at time of eligibility screening, ascertained from self-report. * Proficient in written and spoken English, defined by self-report. * Participants must NOT share their iCloud account, iPhone or other devices such as Apple Watch with anyone else as this would make it challenging for researchers to use their information. * Possession of the following, ascertained from automatic hardware/software/device pairing check: * iPhone with iOS versions capable of supporting the Research app used to complete screening eligibility. * Optional: Apple Watch (any model) paired with iPhone; an Apple Watch Series 4 or later is required to share environmental sound levels.
Where this trial is running
Ann Arbor, Michigan
- University of Michigan School of Public Health — Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Richard L Neitzel, PhD, MS, CIH — University of Michigan
- Study coordinator: Call Center Research Studies Support Center
- Email: applehearingstudy@umich.edu
- Phone: 833-237-3881
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.