Understanding how inner ear cells affect speech clarity in people with hearing loss
Investigation of Anatomical Correlates of Speech Discrimination
This study is trying to see how the tiny cells in the inner ear affect how well people with hearing loss can understand speech, especially in noisy places, to help improve hearing aid use.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 1652 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 100 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Steward St. Elizabeth's Medical Center of Boston, Inc. Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Brighton, Massachusetts) |
| Trial ID | NCT01781039 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the relationship between the sensory cells of the inner ear and auditory neurons on speech discrimination abilities in individuals with sensorineural hearing loss. By assessing how these anatomical correlates influence the ability to understand speech in quiet and noisy environments, the study seeks to identify predictors of hearing aid effectiveness. Participants will undergo hearing aid fittings and speech discrimination testing to evaluate their performance. The findings may provide insights into why some individuals benefit less from hearing aids despite improved sound amplification.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with normal hearing to moderate sensorineural hearing loss who can complete testing in English.
Not a fit: Patients with conductive hearing loss or those with neurodegenerative diseases may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could help tailor hearing aid solutions to improve speech clarity for individuals with hearing loss.
How similar studies have performed: While this study explores a specific aspect of hearing loss, similar studies have shown promise in understanding the relationship between auditory anatomy and speech perception.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Normal hearing to moderate sensorineural hearing loss * Sufficient English proficiency to complete speech discrimination testing in English Exclusion Criteria: * Hearing loss less than a 45 dB HL pure tone average (average hearing thresholds at 500, 1000 and 2000 Hz) * Conductive hearing loss * Neurodegenerative disease
Where this trial is running
Brighton, Massachusetts
- Steward St. Elizabeth's Medical Center — Brighton, Massachusetts, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mark Parker, PhD — Steward St. Elizabeth's Medical Center
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.