Understanding how age affects sound localization and central hearing loss
The Contributions of Age Related Changes in the Sound Localization Pathway to Central Hearing Loss
University of Colorado, Denver · NCT04513782
This study looks at how aging affects the ability to locate sounds and understand speech in noisy environments by comparing younger and older people's hearing responses.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Colorado, Denver (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, Colorado) |
| Trial ID | NCT04513782 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study investigates the impact of age-related changes on the sound localization pathway and central hearing loss. It aims to evaluate the auditory processing abilities of both younger and older individuals by measuring their responses to sound stimuli and their ability to focus on speech amidst background noise. The study utilizes Auditory Brainstem Responses (ABR) to assess the brain's reaction to auditory signals. By comparing these abilities across different age groups, the research seeks to enhance understanding of central hearing loss, which currently lacks effective treatment options.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are healthy individuals aged 21 to 89 with mild hearing loss and adequate cognitive function.
Not a fit: Patients with significant hearing loss, neurodegenerative diseases, or those unable to participate in cognitive assessments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and potential future treatments for central hearing loss in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: While central hearing loss is less understood, similar studies focusing on auditory processing in aging populations have shown promising results, indicating potential for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Subjects age ranges a. 21 years (inclusive) and 89years (inclusive) 2. Subjects exhibiting no poorer than a mild hearing loss, defined as hearing thresholds no worse than 40dBHL at any test frequency 250-4000 Hz based on pure tone audiometry 3. Subjects scoring 26 or higher on a screening measure of cognitive status (Montreal Cognitive Screening Assessment; MoCA) Exclusion Criteria: 1. Patients outside the age range of 21-89 2. Patients with an air-bone gap greater than 10dBHL at any frequency 3. Patients who are decisionally challenged and/or unable to complete speech perception testing. These patients are excluded based on the study requiring behavioral responses to some tests 4. Patients with little command of the English language who are unable to understand and repeat back simple everyday English sentences. 5. Illiterate patients 6. Patients with neurodegenerative diseases.
Where this trial is running
Aurora, Colorado
- University of Colorado School of Medicine — Aurora, Colorado, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Daniel Tollin, PhD — University of Colorado, Denver
- Study coordinator: Shaylene Denham
- Email: shaylene.denham@cuanschutz.edu
- Phone: 303-724-8465
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: Healthy Individuals, Hearing Loss, Central