Understanding how auditory training helps with speech in noise
Official title: Mediators and Moderators of Auditory Training
Run by Northeastern University · NCT06812273 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing different auditory training methods to see if they can help older adults understand speech better in noisy places.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1260 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northeastern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 3 sites (Riverside, California and 2 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 6, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | May 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | April 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06812273 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-30 and 60-85 with normal or near-normal hearing sensitivity and no self-reported auditory difficulties.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with significant auditory difficulties, abnormal vision or hearing, or those with a history of major psychiatric illness may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to investigate the effectiveness of various auditory training (AT) methods in improving speech comprehension in noisy environments, particularly for older adults. The study will involve a diverse group of 1,260 participants aged 18-30 and 60-85, who will undergo different types of auditory training interventions. Researchers will analyze how different sound types and personal traits influence the success of AT, gathering reliable data to enhance understanding of its mechanisms. The goal is to identify the most effective approaches to support individuals with hearing challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve the ability of individuals to understand speech in challenging auditory environments, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using auditory training to improve speech understanding, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18-30 and 60-85 years of age. * No self-reported auditory difficulties and normal or near-normal hearing sensitivity as measured by SRTs. * Older adults aged 50-85 should have no more than typical hearing loss for their age and no evidence of dementia. * Fluent in English and/or Spanish Exclusion Criteria: * Abnormal vision or hearing prohibitive of training * History of seizures, focal brain lesion, or head injury with loss of consciousness * Physical handicap (motor or perceptual) that would impede training procedures * Medical illness requiring treatment during the study timeline * Social, educational or economic hardship prohibitive to training schedule * Concurrent enrollment in other cognitive training studies * History of major psychiatric illness, including psychosis, bipolar disorder, depression, alcohol or substance abuse, recent bereavement * Plans to travel out of the area for more than 1 week during the intervention period * Residence too far from the testing site, which would prevent attending the testing sessions (\> 60 miles) * Not being proficient enough in English or Spanish that would prevent following and understanding all instructions and completing all testing sessions Additional exclusion criteria for older adults: * Diagnosis of dementia or other neurological disease, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI) * Telephone-Montreal Cognitive Assessment (t-MoCA) score of 16 or less or Montreal Cognitive AssessmentMoCA) score of 20 or less
Where it's running
-
University of California, Riverside
Riverside, California, United States Recruiting -
Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting -
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, Oregon, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Aaron Seitz, PhD — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Audrey Carrillo, M.A.
- Email: a.carrillo@northeastern.edu
- Phone: 626-482-8091
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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.