Hearing Rehabilitation for Cognitive Impairment
Trial Summary
What is the purpose of this trial?
Building upon the HEARS audiologist-community health worker (CHW) model, this study intervention will be delivered by a speech-language pathologist (SLP). The primary objective of the study is to develop and test an affordable and accessible hearing rehabilitative intervention that will be delivered by a SLP to individuals with cognitive impairment.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial requires that your medication dosage for neuropsychiatric symptoms be stable for at least 2 weeks, so you may not need to stop taking your current medications if they meet this condition.
What data supports the effectiveness of the HEARS-SLP treatment for cognitive impairment?
Research shows that cognitive rehabilitation, which includes retraining skills and teaching strategies, is effective for improving cognitive functions like memory and attention. This suggests that treatments like HEARS-SLP, which may involve similar rehabilitation techniques, could be beneficial for cognitive impairment.12345
Is the HEARS-SLP device or program safe for humans?
How is the HEARS-SLP treatment different from other treatments for cognitive impairment related to hearing loss?
The HEARS-SLP treatment is unique because it combines a device and a program specifically designed to address both hearing and cognitive challenges, unlike traditional hearing aids that mainly focus on sound amplification. This approach aims to improve listening strategies and cognitive skills, which are often not addressed by standard hearing aids.1112131415
Research Team
Esther Oh, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Eligibility Criteria
This trial is for English-speaking individuals aged 60-100 with probable Alzheimer's or related dementia, who live at home and have stable medication dosing. They must have adult-onset hearing loss and a caregiver available to assist with the study.Inclusion Criteria
Timeline
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Immediate Treatment
Participants receive immediate hearing rehabilitative intervention delivered by a speech-language pathologist
Delayed Treatment
Participants receive delayed hearing rehabilitative intervention delivered by a speech-language pathologist after a 1-month delay
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in neuropsychiatric symptoms and quality of life post-intervention
Treatment Details
Interventions
- HEARS-SLP device
- HEARS-SLP program
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Johns Hopkins University
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator