Clear Speech for Sensorineural Hearing Loss
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores how a clear speaking style, known as "Clear Speech," can assist older adults with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) in better understanding and remembering speech. Researchers examine how listening effort, the mental energy required to comprehend speech, impacts brain processes and memory in individuals with hearing difficulties. The study employs a unique combination of eye-tracking and brain activity measurements during real-time speech processing. It is suitable for right-handed, native English speakers aged 60 to 90 with diagnosed SNHL who do not have certain medical conditions or take specific medications. As an unphased trial, this study allows participants to contribute to groundbreaking research that could improve communication strategies for those with hearing loss.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
If you are taking medications that affect brain function or pupil dilation, like certain antidepressants or ADHD drugs, you may need to stop taking them to participate in the trial.
What prior data suggests that this method is safe for improving speech comprehension in sensorineural hearing loss?
Research has shown that speaking clearly is safe and well-received. Studies have found that clear speech helps people with hearing loss understand better, especially in challenging situations, such as when someone wears a face mask. Research has not reported any negative effects of clear speech. This indicates that using clear speech is safe for people with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) and might even improve their understanding in difficult situations.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about the Clear Speech approach for sensorineural hearing loss because it focuses on enhancing speech clarity through a unique method. Unlike traditional interventions such as hearing aids or cochlear implants, which amplify sound, Clear Speech aims to improve the quality and intelligibility of speech directly, potentially offering a more natural listening experience. This method could provide significant benefits for individuals with hearing loss by addressing the clarity of speech rather than just increasing volume, which is a common limitation of existing treatments.
What evidence suggests that Clear Speech is effective for sensorineural hearing loss?
Research has shown that speaking clearly can help people with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) understand speech better. Clear speech involves talking in a way that makes words easier to hear, especially when the listener has difficulty hearing. Studies have found that clear speech reduces the extra effort people with SNHL need to understand spoken words, making it easier for them to remember and comprehend what is said. Additionally, clear speech enhances speech understanding, which is crucial for better communication. These findings suggest that clear speech can be a helpful tool for improving communication for those with SNHL. Participants in this trial will experience different conditions of clear speech to evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing communication for individuals with SNHL.16789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for right-handed English speakers aged 60-90 with normal cognitive function (MoCA score ≥25). Participants can have mild to moderate sensorineural hearing loss but must not have psychiatric/neurological illnesses, eye diseases affecting pupil dilation, or be on certain drugs that alter brain function.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Baseline Assessment
Participants complete a standardized hearing assessment, neuropsychological assessment, and audibility control assessment
Experimental Session
Participants undergo EEG and pupillometry measurements during speech processing tasks
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for any immediate effects post-experiment and complete a delayed recognition memory task
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Clear Speech
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Utah
Lead Sponsor