Using smart hearing aids to assess and reduce fall risk while improving speech clarity

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 study aims to develop and validate a method using hearing aids equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence to assess fall risk and implement interventions to reduce falls. The hearing aids will also enhance speech intelligibility in various environments and track physical activity and social engagement. Participants will be individuals aged 55 and older who are bilateral hearing aid users and can consent in English. The study will involve monitoring participants' movements and responses to assess their fall risk and improve their hearing experience.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 55 years or older
* Bilateral hearing aid user
* Able to consent in English
* Having access to a phone capable of running the mobile app required for the study
* Screen for fall risk ("Yes" to any question: Feels unsteady when standing or walking? Worries about falling? Has fallen in past year? If the participant has fallen: how many times? were they injured/hurt?)
* Ambulatory without need for a wheelchair

Exclusion Criteria:

* People with mobility restrictions (e.g., wheelchair bound) that would prevent the performance of the functional assessments.
* People with severe movement (e.g., Advanced Parkinson's disease) or cognitive (e.g., advanced dementia) disorders that would prevent the individual from either performing the functional assessments, or would lead to restricted activities that would prevent motion data from being collected according to the goal of the study.
* Inability to understand, consent, and complete requirements including verbal instructions and non-ambulatory/wheelchair-dependent.

Where it's running

• Stanford Ear Institute
  Palo Alto, California, United States Recruiting

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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.