Hearing Aids for Hearing Loss

Overseen By Lucas Modahl

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison

Disqualifiers: Conductive hearing loss, Unilateral hearing loss, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 1 week

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to discover why hearing aids perform well in labs but not as effectively in noisy environments like restaurants. It focuses on identifying factors that enhance or limit hearing aid performance in real-life settings. Researchers will examine how different situations impact hearing aid use and settings. The trial seeks individuals who have used hearing aids for over three months and have adult-onset hearing loss in both ears. Participants will use study-provided hearing aids and complete various tests and surveys. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to research that could enhance hearing aid technology for everyday use.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It seems focused on hearing aid use, so you may not need to change your medication routine.

What prior data suggests that hearing aids are safe for use in this study?

Research shows that hearing aids are generally safe for those who need them. The FDA sets rules to ensure these devices are safe to use. Most people do not experience serious side effects from hearing aids. However, some might find them uncomfortable or hear a whistling sound called feedback noise.

No strong evidence indicates that hearing aids cause significant harm. Studies mainly focus on how well they help people hear, especially in noisy places. This trial will examine how real-life situations affect hearing aid performance, but safety is not a major concern based on current research. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the use of hearing aids paired with smartphone surveys because this approach offers a unique blend of technology and personal feedback to manage hearing loss. Unlike standard hearing aids, which primarily focus on amplifying sound, this method integrates real-time feedback and data collection through smartphones, potentially allowing for more personalized adjustments and improvements in daily life. This combination could lead to better user satisfaction and a more adaptable hearing experience, making it a promising step forward in hearing loss treatment.

What evidence suggests that hearing aids are effective for hearing loss?

Studies have shown that hearing aids can greatly improve hearing in daily life. Research indicates that people who regularly use hearing aids tend to live longer than those who don't, likely because hearing aids help them stay connected and engaged with their surroundings. One study found that the best results occur when people receive excellent service and support with their hearing aids. Overall, hearing aids effectively improve hearing and can contribute to a longer, healthier life. Participants in this trial will use study-provided hearing aids and complete smartphone surveys to assess their effectiveness. ^{6 7 8 9 10}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Erik Jorgensen, AuD, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals with hearing loss, specifically sensorineural type or age-related (presbycusis), who use hearing aids. Participants should be willing to undergo various tests and surveys on their Smartphone to assess the effectiveness of hearing aids in noisy environments.

Inclusion Criteria

Experienced hearing aid users (> 3 months)

I am over 18 years old.

I have hearing loss in both ears that started in adulthood.

Exclusion Criteria

I am younger than 18 years old.

Asymmetrical or unilateral hearing loss

Pre-lingual or childhood hearing loss onset

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Treatment

Participants use study-provided hearing aids and complete surveys on their smartphone to assess hearing aid signal enhancement algorithms in real-world contexts

1 week

Multiple listening scenarios and surveys

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

4 weeks

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Hearing Aid

Trial Overview The study aims to determine why hearing aids seem effective in labs but less so in real-world noise. It involves listening tests, cognitive assessments, and surveys to identify factors that influence or limit the benefit of using a hearing aid.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Hearing aid + smartphone surveys Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Participants will use study-provided hearing aids

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Wisconsin, Madison

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,249

Recruited

3,255,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4925253/

Impact of Hearing Aid Technology on Outcomes in Daily Life I This research was designed to explore reported differences in hearing abilities for adults using premium-feature and basic-feature hearing aids in their daily ...

2. thelancet.com thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(23)00232-5/fulltext

Association between hearing aid use and mortality in ... Regular hearing aid use was associated with lower risks of mortality than in never users in US adults with hearing loss when accounting for age, hearing loss, ...

3. jamanetwork.com jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaotolaryngology/fullarticle/2833823

Hearing Aid Service Models, Technology, and Patient ... The trial results suggest that while the lower-cost OTC service models are effective, the best outcomes were achieved with the best practice service model.

4. news.keckmedicine.org news.keckmedicine.org/hearing-aids-may-help-people-live-longer/

Hearing aids may help people live longer New study shows that hearing aids reduce the risk of death by almost 25%. LOS ANGELES — Hearing loss affects approximately 40 million American ...

5. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK616586/

Outcomes for Hearing Health Interventions - NCBI - NIH The most common treatment for sensorineural hearing loss involves amplifying the incoming signal to improve hearing function. This is accomplished most often ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11150995/

Deterioration of Hearing Due to Hearing Aids - PMC This study examined the long-term effects of HAs on standard audiometric changes in individuals with sensorineural hearing loss.

7. hopkinsmedicine.org hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/the-hidden-risks-of-hearing-loss

The Hidden Risks of Hearing Loss Moderate loss tripled risk, and people with a severe hearing impairment were five times more likely to develop dementia. The Links Between Hearing and Health.

8. cdc.gov cdc.gov/niosh/noise/about/noise.html

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Workers who are exposed to noise at or above the NIOSH REL are at risk of developing significant hearing loss over their working lifetime.

9. fda.gov fda.gov/medical-devices/consumer-products/hearing-aids

Hearing Aids This site provides general information on hearing aids including benefit and safety information, types and styles, how to get and buy a ...

10. osha.gov osha.gov/laws-regs/standardinterpretations/2014-09-02

Occupational Noise Exposure - The use of hearing aids ... The adequacy of hearing protection is determined by the effectiveness in attenuating or reducing noise that reaches the inner ear.