Auditory-Cognitive Dual-Task Intervention for Older Adults With Hearing Loss

Launched by THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY · Jun 26, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating a new program designed to help older adults with hearing loss improve their thinking skills and reduce feelings of loneliness. The program, called the auditory-cognitive dual-task intervention (ACDT), combines activities that challenge both hearing and cognitive (thinking) abilities. Researchers want to see if this program can be effective and accepted by older adults living in the community who have mild to moderate hearing loss. To participate, individuals must be 60 years or older, have specific levels of hearing loss, and show normal cognitive function.

Participants will be randomly assigned to either the ACDT group, where they will engage in the program for 12 weeks, or a control group that will not receive any intervention right away. Throughout the study, both groups will be assessed for their cognitive abilities, feelings of loneliness, and social engagement before and after the intervention. Researchers hope that the ACDT will not only be easy for participants to follow but will also help them feel more connected and improve their thinking skills, even though it won't change their hearing ability. The trial is not yet recruiting, so those interested will need to wait for further information.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • aged 60 and above living in the community;
• • have mild to moderate hearing loss with a pure-tone average (PTA) between 25 and 60 dB in both ears (average hearing threshold at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz measuring by audiometer with headphones in a quite listening environment, no hearing aid use within the past 6 months;
• • with normal cognitive performance (MoCA score ≥26); and
• • are willing to and capable of providing informed consent and complying with study procedures.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • have a history of psychosis, mania, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder or have current suicidal ideation;
• • with severe or unstable medical illness, significant retrocochlear pathology or organic lesion responsible for hearing loss;
• • a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, FTD, or Parkinson's Disease; and
• • taking medications such as antidepressants, sedatives, or antiepileptics that may affect cognition.