View clinical trials related to Hearing Loss, Age-Related.
Filter by:Mild to moderate hearing loss remains undertreated, largely because of the high cost of hearing aids. A promising and much less expensive alternative is the use of personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), which are electronic, portable, over-the-counter devices that amplify sound. Studies have shown that the use of PSAPs provides significant hearing benefits and improves the quality of life for older adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. However, there is insufficient data to determine the impact of PSAPs use on speech processing in the brain. The purpose of this study is to use electroencephalography (EEG) measurements to assess the neurobiological and behavioral effects of PSAPs on speech perception in noise in individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. The investigators expect that the PSAPs use will result in an immediate improvement in the ability to perceive speech-in-noise, supporting that these hearing devices may be a means of restoring communication skills in people with mild to moderate hearing loss. Behavioral benefits will be associated with increased brain activity in auditory regions and connectivity between auditory and speech regions in the brain.
Amplification is a well-established, evidence-based front-line treatment for those with impaired communication secondary to Age Related Hearing Loss (ARHL). ARHL is the most prevalent cause of communication impairment among older adults. The challenge in treating ARHL is identifying a care model that effectively promotes adherence to individualized-treatment recommendations allowing the end-user to self-manage hearing loss with appropriate support. This proposal compares the two most common models of care for ARHL provided to adults in assisted living/personal care communities. The Consult Model (i.e., usual care) is an acute care strategy, relying on a monthly Audiologist visit to the facility. The Engage Model is a chronic care approach to support hearing loss self-management of ARHL. Engage includes (a) hearing screening for all residents, (b) an individualized communication plan for those with an identified hearing loss (e.g., one-to-one, group, telephone, television plans, hearing aid trouble shooting, communication strategies, etc.), (c) provision of simple, non-custom amplifiers, (d) referral to audiology if needed, and (e) ongoing support provided by trained personnel (Communication Facilitator) under the supervision of the audiologist.
Technological advances in hearing aids and telecommunications, including the widespread availability of telehealth (referred to in this proposal as "e-Audiology") applications, have the potential to expand both access and affordability of hearing aids for those with age-related hearing loss (ARHL). E-Audiology is used by clinicians in a variety of settings, including private practice, university clinics, and the Veterans Administration. The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association recently updated the Scope of Practice guidelines for audiology to include telehealth as "an alternative method of service delivery that en-compasses both diagnostics and intervention services.", including all aspects of hearing aid selection, fitting, and follow-up counseling and rehabilitation. However, given the paucity of evidence of comparative efficacy between office-based service delivery and e-Audiology in real-world settings, patients and relevant stakeholders are faced with a major decisional dilemma when determining which mode of service delivery would be optimal for addressing the needs, preferences, and lifestyles of those with ARHL. Thus, the purpose of this study is to determine the benefits, drawbacks, and patient satisfaction associated with e-Audiology delivery of hearing aid fitting, services, and supports for older adults with mild to moderate ARHL. We plan to use data collected in this pilot study for a future R01 submission to the NIH.