Understanding the effects of recreational noise on hearing

Understanding the Consequences of Recreational Noise Exposure

Observational University of Nottingham · NCT05076344

This study looks at how being around loud recreational noises affects hearing in healthy adults to see if it leads to hearing loss.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Nottingham Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05076344 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to explore the relationship between recreational noise exposure and hearing loss by utilizing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and clinical assessments. It focuses on how noise exposure impacts both the peripheral and central auditory systems in healthy adults. Participants will be categorized based on their age and history of noise exposure, allowing researchers to analyze potential correlations with hearing sensitivity and auditory health. The study seeks to provide insights into the mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss and its implications for public health.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are healthy adults aged 18-19 or 30-50 with varying levels of noise exposure and hearing sensitivity.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications for MRI, significant motor or cognitive impairments, or health conditions indicating peripheral neuropathy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for noise-induced hearing loss.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using MRI to assess noise-induced hearing loss is innovative, similar studies have indicated that noise exposure significantly impacts auditory health, suggesting potential for success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Ability to give informed consent in English
* In the age range stipulated for the group, i.e. 18-19 inclusive for group 1 and 30-50 inclusive for groups 2 - 4.
* Audiometric thresholds in the range stipulated for the group, i.e. in the normal range for their age group for groups 1 - 3 and outside the normal range for their age group for group 4.
* Noise exposure in the range stipulated for the group, as determined by the NESI, i.e. less than 15 units for groups 1 - 2 and 15 or more units for groups 3 - 4.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Contraindications for MRI
* Motor impairment (for example, cerebral palsy)
* Cognitive impairment (for example, dementia or brain injury)
* Health conditions indicative of peripheral neuropathy (e.g. Type 1 diabetes).

Where this trial is running

Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Hearing LossHearing Loss, Noise-Inducedcentral nervous systemperipheral nervous systemmagnetic resonance imaging
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.