Hearing Aids for Auditory Processing Disorder

Overseen By Melissa A Papesh, PhD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: VA Office of Research and Development

Disqualifiers: Conductive hearing loss, Otologic problems, others

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

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 4

Duration: 6 months

142 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if hearing aids can assist veterans who struggle with hearing despite normal hearing sensitivity. It examines whether features like noise reduction and direct sound streaming to the ears make a difference. Participants will receive either communication tips alone or a combination of communication tips and hearing aids, with some also using remote microphones to reduce background noise. Veterans who feel their hearing impacts their daily life and can travel to the VA Portland Medical Center might be suitable candidates. As an unphased trial, this study provides veterans the chance to contribute to innovative research that could enhance hearing aid technology and improve quality of life.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?

Research has shown that hearing aids are generally safe for individuals with normal hearing who have auditory processing disorder (APD). One study found that low-gain hearing aids, which slightly amplify sound, can aid listening without causing harm. Although specific safety data for hearing aids in APD is lacking, they are widely considered safe.

For hearing aids with remote microphones, studies indicate they can improve listening in noisy environments, such as classrooms, without negative effects. In fact, using these remote microphones for up to six months did not cause any problems.

Overall, both types of hearing aids appear well-tolerated and safe for individuals with APD. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial's treatments?

Researchers are excited about these treatments for Auditory Processing Disorder because they combine traditional hearing aids with innovative enhancements. Unlike standard hearing aids, one treatment arm includes remote microphones that help improve the signal-to-noise ratio, making it easier to hear in noisy environments. Another arm uses hearing aids with low-level amplification alongside communication counseling, providing a holistic approach that addresses both the mechanical and cognitive aspects of hearing. These features not only enhance auditory input but also empower individuals with strategies to improve communication in various environments.

What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for Auditory Processing Disorder?

Research has shown that hearing aids, one of the treatments in this trial, can greatly assist people with auditory processing disorder (APD) by enhancing their listening abilities. One study found that individuals using hearing aids experienced improved quality of life and hearing. In this trial, some participants will receive hearing aids with remote microphones, which show promise. These devices help people hear better in noisy environments by making it easier to focus on specific sounds. Another review found that remote microphones can enhance both listening skills and social interactions. Overall, hearing aids, especially those with remote microphones, can benefit people with APD. ^{1 2 3 6 7}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Melissa A Papesh, PhD

Principal Investigator

VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for Veterans with normal hearing sensitivity who still experience communication difficulties. They must be eligible for VA Healthcare, able to visit the VA Portland Medical Center often, and have a moderate to significant perceived hearing handicap but no major ear problems or severe hearing loss.

Inclusion Criteria

I can travel to VA Portland Medical Center for multiple visits.

You can hear sounds at certain frequencies without any problems.

Veteran eligible for VA Healthcare

Exclusion Criteria

I have hearing loss or ear problems.

English is not my first language.

I cannot do the tasks required in the study.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Baseline Assessment

Participants undergo assessments of peripheral and central auditory system function, cognitive and psychological status, and medical chart review

1-2 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants are randomized into one of three intervention arms: SOC, SOC + hearing aids, or SOC + hearing aids with remote microphone

6 months

Multiple visits (in-person and virtual)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in hearing handicap and other outcomes at 2 and 6 months post-intervention

4 weeks

2 visits (in-person)

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Communication Counseling
• Hearing Aids
• Remote Microphones

Trial Overview The study tests if using hearing aids can help veterans without hearing loss by providing slight amplification or features like noise reduction and sound streaming. It also includes communication counseling and remote microphones to see which methods are most beneficial.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Hearing Aids with Remote Microphones Experimental Treatment 3 Interventions

Individuals randomized to this group will receive communication counseling as well as hearing aids set to provide a low level of amplification and remote microphones that can be used in some situations to improve the signal-to-noise ratio.

Group II: Hearing Aids Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Individuals randomized to this group will receive communication counseling as well as hearing aids set to provide a low level of amplification.

Group III: Communication Counseling Active Control 1 Intervention

Individuals randomized to this group will receive information on how to improve their ability to hear and communicate including tips on environmental modification and communication repair strategies.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

VA Office of Research and Development

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,691

Recruited

3,759,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A structured intervention program for 20 children with central auditory processing disorders (C)APD significantly improved their speech recognition in noisy environments compared to a control group of 10 untreated children, indicating the efficacy of the training.

The training, which included various listening exercises in both quiet and noisy conditions, led to notable improvements in performance for both ears, with specific enhancements observed in the left ear for competing sentence tests.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of speech in noise and dichotic listening intervention programs on central auditory processing disorders. Putter-Katz, H., Adi-Bensaid, L., Feldman, I., et al.[2019]

Participation in counseling and communication strategy-oriented group aural rehabilitation programs significantly reduces self-perception of hearing handicap in adults with hearing impairment, based on a systematic review of 12 studies.

While these programs may enhance the use of communication strategies and hearing aids in the short term, it remains uncertain if these benefits last longer than the initial period after the program.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effectiveness of counseling-based adult group aural rehabilitation programs: a systematic review of the evidence. Hawkins, DB.[2020]

A study involving 33 audiology professionals from 5 countries identified 64 key competencies necessary for effective audiologic counseling, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, skills, and attitudes in this field.

The findings highlight a gap in current practice guidelines for audiology education, suggesting that these competencies should be integrated into graduate training programs to enhance counseling practices for patients with ear-related disorders.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Counseling Competencies in Audiology: A Modified Delphi Study. Meibos, A., Muñoz, K., Twohig, M.[2019]

Building a strong, patient-centered relationship during the initial evaluation is crucial for encouraging patients with hearing loss to use hearing aids effectively.

Training healthcare professionals in specific counseling skills, such as Motivational Interviewing and the Teach-Back Method, can significantly improve patient adherence to hearing aid recommendations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Developing Foundational Counseling Skills for Addressing Adherence Issues in Auditory Rehabilitation. Johnson, CE., Jilla, AM., Danhauer, JL.[2020]

A 12-week computer-based auditory training program significantly improved speech-in-noise perception and functional listening skills in children with auditory processing disorder (APD), with effect sizes ranging from 0.76 to 1.7.

The improvements in speech-in-noise performance were maintained for at least 3 months after the training, indicating the long-term efficacy of the intervention in enhancing auditory processing skills.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Auditory Training Effects on the Listening Skills of Children With Auditory Processing Disorder. Loo, JH., Rosen, S., Bamiou, DE.[2015]

Recent advancements in the design and functionality of wearable hearing aids have significantly increased their effectiveness, allowing more people with hearing impairments to benefit from them.

Current guidelines for recommending hearing aids are outdated; now, individuals with any level of permanent hearing loss should be considered for aural rehabilitation and the use of hearing aids, regardless of their previous prognosis.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The successful hearing aid user. Sanders, JW.[2000]

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11224551/

Hearing rehabilitation of adults with auditory processing disorder This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to establish current evidence on the effectiveness of interventions for APD in adults.

2. pubs.asha.org pubs.asha.org/doi/10.1044/2025_PERSP-24-00098

Exploring Auditory Processing Abilities and the Impact on ... The purpose of this study was to determine the differences between self-reported hearing difficulties, response time, and blast exposure history

3. nature.com nature.com/articles/s41598-023-40645-0

A data-driven approach to identify a rapid screener for ... Here, we identified tests within the APD testing battery that could provide a rapid screener to inform APD referrals in adults.

4. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2227-9032/12/5/578

Examining the Use and Benefits of Low-/Mild-Gain Hearing ... This study assesses the benefits of LGHAs as a management option for individuals with normal hearing thresholds (NHTs) and SHDs.

5. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11766019/

Efficacy of Hearing Aids in Patients with Hearing Difficulties in ... Results: Forty patients were explored, including 12 with HHL. FraMatrix and quality of life improved significantly (p < 0.001) with HAs, ...

6. mayoclinic.org mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/auditory-processing-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20555277

Auditory processing disorder (APD) - Diagnosis and ... This type of hearing loss involves the brain. Learn about ways that can help people with the condition hear better.

7. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-perceptual-disorders-9-2024-442ad

Hearing Aids for Auditory Processing Disorder The research does not provide specific safety data for hearing aids used in auditory processing disorder, but hearing aids are generally considered safe for use ...