Transcranial Stimulation Plus Auditory Training for Difficulties with Speech in Noise
Official title: Transcranial Stimulation Combined With Auditory Training
Run by Boston University Charles River Campus · NCT06738030 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will test whether non-invasive brain stimulation can boost gains from at-home auditory training for people who have trouble understanding speech when many people talk at once.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 94 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Boston University Charles River Campus Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Boston, Massachusetts) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 7, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 2027 |
| Study ends | July 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 19, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06738030 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Individuals 50 years or older with documented speech-in-noise difficulties and hearing within normal to moderate loss (up to 90 dB HL at tested frequencies) who can access internet-enabled devices and provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Participants without speech-in-noise difficulties or with contraindications to brain stimulation may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study tests if adding transcranial current stimulation to a commercially available at-home auditory training program improves speech-in-noise understanding. Participants age 50 and older with listening difficulties will receive real or sham stimulation while engaging in listening tasks. The online training is done at home for two weeks, with four in-lab stimulation sessions during the study. Outcomes compare performance with stimulation versus sham to see if the combined approach provides extra benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could enhance everyday communication in noisy environments for older adults with speech-in-noise difficulties.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests brain stimulation may augment auditory training, though findings vary and this specific combination is being evaluated.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 50 years of age or older * Audiometric thresholds that do not exceed 90 dB HL at any frequency from 250-6000 Hz * Able to provide informed consent and understand experimental instructions * Able to read print on a computer screen * Difficulty with speech-on-speech understanding * Access to computer or mobile phone with access to internet that can play sound (for the at-home training) Exclusion Criteria: * Non-native speakers of English * History of skull fracture, scalp tissue damage, metallic implants around the head, seizures, neurological disorders, or traumatic brain injury, current or suspected pregnancy
Where it's running
-
Communication Neuroscience Research Lab at Boston University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Elin Roverud, AuD, PhD — Boston University Charles River Campus
- Study coordinator: Elin Roverud, AuD, PhD
- Email: erover@bu.edu
- Phone: 617-358-7440
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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.