Understanding how people with Mild Cognitive Impairment hear and process sounds

Speech Perception in Noise as an Improved Marker for Neurocognitive Dysfunction

This study is testing how well people with Mild Cognitive Impairment hear and understand sounds compared to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 70 (estimated)
• Ages: 55 Years to 80 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Lebanon, New Hampshire)
• Trial ID: NCT06102486 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 55-80 diagnosed with or suspected to have Mild Cognitive Impairment or those who are cognitively normal.

Not a fit: Patients with active ear infections, severe hearing loss, or other health conditions that prevent them from completing the tests may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of auditory processing in MCI, potentially leading to earlier detection and intervention strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While this approach is relatively novel, previous studies have explored auditory processing in cognitive impairment, indicating potential for meaningful insights.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Lebanon, New Hampshire

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

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Samantha Leigh, BS

Conditions Mild Cognitive Impairment