Understanding how people with Mild Cognitive Impairment hear and process sounds

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to compare the ability of individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) to hear soft sounds and process auditory information against healthy individuals. Participants will undergo various hearing tests, neurocognitive assessments, and complete questionnaires to evaluate the relationship between auditory processing and cognitive function. The researchers hypothesize that those with MCI will perform worse on both hearing and cognitive tests compared to the control group. The study seeks to identify potential cognitive changes in MCI patients through auditory processing evaluations.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults diagnosed with or suspected to have MCI (for MCI group) or are cognitively normal (for Control group)
* Absence of other risk factors that might affect CAP (Central Auditory Processing) performance (e.g., active ear infections, congenital developmental delay, severe hearing loss)
* Age 55-80
* Normal hearing sensitivity (\<40 dB HL Pure Tone Average (average of 500, 1000, 2000 Hz) thresholds bilaterally
* Normal middle ear function defined by tympanometry (0.3-2.0 ml)
* Native English speaker

Exclusion Criteria:

* Active ear infections or abnormal middle ear pathology
* Other health condition prohibiting the completion of the CAP test battery
* Mild to profound peripheral hearing loss (\>40 dB (decibel) HL (hearing loss) Pure Tone Average (average of 500, 1000, 2000 Hz) bilaterally
* Adults unable to consent
* Individuals who are not yet adults (infants, children, teenagers)
* Prisoners
* History of CNS (Central Nervous System) disorder that might severely impact cognitive function (e.g., Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, neurosyphilis, intracranial tumors, history of significant head trauma with loss of consciousness (≥30 min), and cerebrovascular disease)
* Severe mental illness (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder)
* Current, uncontrolled medical condition that could affect cognition (e.g., hypertension)
* History of substance use disorder within the (other than nicotine/caffeine)
* Non-correctable severe hearing or vision loss
* Use of "Cognition Enhancing Drugs"
* Frequent, severe headaches (occasional headaches or migraines are fine)

Where it's running

• Space Medicine Lab at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
  Lebanon, New Hampshire, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Samantha Leigh, BS
• Email: samantha.m.leigh@dartmouth.edu
• Phone: 5408195715

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.