HEARS-SLP: Providing SLP-Delivered Hearing Health Care to Individuals With Cognitive Impairment
Launched by JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · Aug 18, 2023
Trial Information
Current as of June 26, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
The HEARS-SLP clinical trial is studying how speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can help people with cognitive impairments, like dementia, who also have hearing loss. The goal is to create a cost-effective and easy-to-access program that improves hearing health for these individuals. This study builds on a previous model that involved audiologists and community health workers, focusing on making hearing care more available to those who need it the most.
To participate in this trial, individuals must be between 60 and 100 years old, speak English, and live at home. They should have a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease or a related type of dementia. Additionally, participants need to have a caregiver who can attend study visits and provide care for them for at least eight hours a week. It's important to note that individuals who currently use hearing aids or have medical issues that prevent them from using them are not eligible for this study. Participants can expect to receive personalized hearing care and support from an SLP, along with follow-up visits to monitor their progress.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Age 60 - 100 years old
- • English-speaking
- • Lives at home
- • Diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's Disease or other related dementia according to the core clinical criteria outlined in the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and Alzheimer's Association Guidelines
- • Availability of caregiver/study partner to participate in all study-related visits and who provides ≥8 hours of weekly oversight/care
- • Speech frequency pure tone average (0.5- 4 kHz) \>25 db in the better-hearing ear; adult onset hearing loss
- • Stable (for 2 weeks or longer) dosing of medication (e.g. antidepressants, antipsychotics) for neuropsychiatric symptoms
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • Current self-reported use of hearing aid or amplification device
- • Medical contraindication to use hearing aids ( e.g. draining ears)
- • Inability to participate in the 1-month follow up
About Johns Hopkins University
Johns Hopkins University, a prestigious research institution located in Baltimore, Maryland, is renowned for its commitment to advancing medical science and public health through innovative clinical trials. With a rich history of groundbreaking research and a multidisciplinary approach, the university's clinical trial initiatives focus on translating scientific discoveries into effective treatments and interventions. Leveraging state-of-the-art facilities and a collaborative network of experts, Johns Hopkins University conducts rigorous clinical studies that aim to improve patient outcomes and address critical health challenges. Its dedication to ethical standards and participant safety underscores its role as a leader in clinical research.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Baltimore, Maryland, United States
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Esther Oh, MD, PhD
Principal Investigator
Johns Hopkins School of Medicine
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported