Validation of a cognitive assessment for people with hearing loss

Validation Of The Flemish Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) For Persons With Hearing Impairment

Observational University Ghent · NCT06400173

This study is testing a new version of a cognitive test for people with hearing loss to see if it can better measure their thinking skills.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment450 (estimated)
Ages45 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity Ghent Academic / other
Locations1 site (Ghent, East-Flanders)
Trial IDNCT06400173 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to validate a modified version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) specifically designed for individuals with hearing impairment. The original MoCA, which includes auditory instructions and items, may not accurately reflect cognitive abilities in those with hearing loss. The modified version presents instructions audiovisually and replaces hearing-dependent items to ensure accurate assessment. The study will involve cognitive screening and audiological assessments for participants aged 60 and older.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are Dutch-speaking individuals aged 60 and older with age-related hearing loss and either an official diagnosis of dementia or mild cognitive impairment.

Not a fit: Patients without cognitive impairment or those with significant neurological issues or on certain medications may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to a more accurate cognitive assessment tool for older adults with hearing loss, improving diagnosis and treatment of dementia.

How similar studies have performed: While cognitive assessments for hearing-impaired individuals are being explored, this specific validation approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Individuals aged 60 years or older
* Individuals with normal vision (with lenses or glasses if needed)
* Individuals with age-related hearing loss
* Dutch-speaking individuals
* Individuals capable of giving consent to participate in the study themselves
* Individuals still residing in their own homes
* Individuals with an official diagnosis of dementia (Alzheimer's, vascular, or mixed) or mild cognitive impairment. This inclusion criterion applies only to the group with cognitive impairment.

Exclusion Criteria:

For individuals without cognitive impairment, the following exclusion criteria apply:

* (History of) neurological problems (brain tumor, epilepsy, history of stroke, etc.)
* Use of influencing medication (e.g., Ritalin and antidepressants)

Where this trial is running

Ghent, East-Flanders

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 DementiaHearing LossCognitive screeningMontreal Cognitive Assessment
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.