Evaluation of the Impact of Cochlear Implants on Cognition in Older Adults

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF UTAH · Mar 30, 2016

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study, run by the University of Utah, looks at whether getting a cochlear implant affects thinking skills and mood in people who are 65 or older with hearing loss. All participants in this study will receive a cochlear implant and will have a series of thinking tests before the surgery and then again about 6 months and 12 months after the implant is activated, along with standard hearing checkups. The main goal is to see if hearing improvement from the implant changes cognition (thinking, memory, attention) over about four years. A secondary aim is to see how the implant might affect mood and social well-being.

If you’re eligible, you would be 65 or older with a hearing loss and be approved for cochlear implant surgery. You would undergo preoperative cognitive testing, then the implant procedure with usual post-surgery care and follow-up audiology visits. The study uses a single-group approach (everyone gets the implant), with cognitive tests split across pre-op, 6 months, and 12 months after activation, plus hearing tests. The study is currently enrolling by invitation, aims to enroll about 150 people, and results are not yet available. Informed consent and understanding of the study plan are part of participation, with ongoing monitoring by a dedicated data safety committee.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • The subjects will be age 65 years and older, with no upper limit of age range with hearing loss that are candidates for a cochlear implant.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Those patients who are not able to undergo cochlear implantation surgery due to medical co-morbidities would not be eligible for the study.