Longitudinal Outcomes of Hearing Aids
PresbycusisAge-related hearing loss is a substantial national problem due to its high prevalence and significant psychosocial consequences. Although hearing aids (HAs) are the primary intervention for the management of age-related hearing loss, only 15-30% of those who could benefit from HAs actually seek them out. HA adoption rates are even worse for people with lower income and for racial and ethnic minorities. One of the most commonly reported reasons for people not seeking HA intervention is the high cost of HAs and the associated audiological fitting services. Because HAs fitted using the audiologist-based service-delivery model are unaffordable, more and more Americans (1.5 million in 2010) purchase amplification devices via over-the-counter (OTC) service-delivery models to compensate for their impaired hearing. Although OTC amplification devices are gaining popularity and are regarded as an important option for promoting accessible and affordable hearing healthcare, it is unclear if they are viable solutions for age-related hearing loss as OTC models exclude professional services. Further, although there is some evidence supporting the effectiveness of OTC HAs, all previous studies measured short-term outcomes (e.g., 6 weeks). It is unknown what the long-term outcomes of OTC HAs would look like. The outcomes could improve across time because users may eventually figure out how to use HAs. On the other hand, the outcomes of OTC HAs could become poorer across time because, unlike traditional HA fitting, users do not have professionals to support them. Therefore, the overall goal of this project is to examine the longitudinal changes in OTC HA outcomes over 3 months.
Hearing for Communication and Resident Engagement
Hearing LossAge-RelatedAmplification is a well-established, evidence-based front-line treatment for those with impaired communication secondary to Age Related Hearing Loss (ARHL). ARHL is the most prevalent cause of communication impairment among older adults. The challenge in treating ARHL is identifying a care model that effectively promotes adherence to individualized-treatment recommendations allowing the end-user to self-manage hearing loss with appropriate support. This proposal compares the two most common models of care for ARHL provided to adults in assisted living/personal care communities. The Consult Model (i.e., usual care) is an acute care strategy, relying on a monthly Audiologist visit to the facility. The Engage Model is a chronic care approach to support hearing loss self-management of ARHL. Engage includes (a) hearing screening for all residents, (b) an individualized communication plan for those with an identified hearing loss (e.g., one-to-one, group, telephone, television plans, hearing aid trouble shooting, communication strategies, etc.), (c) provision of simple, non-custom amplifiers, (d) referral to audiology if needed, and (e) ongoing support provided by trained personnel (Communication Facilitator) under the supervision of the audiologist.
Evaluation of a Digital Therapy of Auditory Training
Hearing LossAge-RelatedThe aim of the study is to evaluate the efficiency of the medical device AUDISSEE in improving the perception in noise ability of presbycusis patients with hearing-aids.
Hearing Aids Use in Elderly: Efficacy in Speech Perception and in Health-related Quality of Life...
Hearing LossAge-RelatedBackground: Prevalence of hearing loss increases over age; its estimated prevalence is 40-50% in people older than 75 years. Recent studies agree that modification in the hearing threshold contributes to deterioration in sociality, sensitivity, cognition, and quality of life of the elderly subjects. Our study objective is to verify if rehabilitation with first time applied Hearing Aids (HA) in a cohort of old people with hearing impairment improves over time speech perception in a noisy environment and the overall health-related quality of life. Methods: The monocentric, prospective, repeated measures, single-subject, clinical observational study will accrue 100 elderly, first-time HA recipients (≥ 65 years). The evaluation protocol is designed to analyze changes on specific measurement tools a year after the first HA fitting in comparison to the evaluation before HA usage. Evaluations will consist of multiparametric details collected through self-report questionnaires completed by the recipients and a series of commonly used audiometric measures and geriatric assessment tools. The primary indicator of changes in speech perception in noise will be the OLSA test whereas the indicator of changes in overall quality of life will be the AQoL and HHEI questionnaires. Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) will help us to verify the cognitive state of the subjects. This questionnaire will allow us to exclude a reduction of the cognitive abilities over time. Discussion: The protocol is designed to make use of measurement tools that have already been applied to the hearing-impaired population in order to compare the effects of HA rehabilitation in the elderly immediately before their first HA usage (Pre) and after gaining 1 year of experience (Post). The broad approach will lead to a greater understanding of how useful hearing influences the quality of life in elderly individuals, and thus improves potentials for healthy aging. Outcomes will be described and analyzed in detail.
Evaluation of the Impact of Cochlear Implants on Cognition in Older Adults
DementiaHearing Loss1 moreThe subjects will be age 65 years and older, with no upper limit of age range with hearing loss that are candidates for standard-of-care cochlear implant. Cognitive tests will be administered preoperative, and postoperative at 6 and 12 month intervals.
Hearing Loss and Communication Needs in a Group Care Setting for Older Adults
Age-related Hearing LossThe purpose of this study is to develop and test a multicomponent hearing care intervention for the PACE staff members in order to learn more about communication and engagement.
PET-CT-based Study of Central Mechanisms of Cortical Metabolism in 18F-FDG and 18F-AV1451 Age-related...
Age-related Hearing LossPET-CTThe participants were recruited from elderly subjects in the age range of 60-85 years and audiological assessments, cognitive function assessments, non-invasive brain imaging, behavioral assessments were collected from the normal control group, the elderly deaf non-hearing group and the elderly deaf hearing group according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The project aims to investigate the differences in auditory speech and cognitive function in age-related deafness at the behavioural level, and to investigate the central cortical metabolic mechanisms in age-related deafness at the brain imaging level.
Mitochondrial Genetics of Presbycusis
PresbycusisAge Related Hearing LossThe main goal of this study is to identify mitochondrial mutations associated with presbycusis. Patients affected by severe presbycusis and normal hearing controls (according to ISO7029 norm) will be enrolled if satisfying inclusion criteria (aged from 40 to 80 years old) in existing biocollections in the University Hospital of Angers. After DNA extraction, the mitochondrial genome will be sequenced and data in silico analysed.
Postural Modification and Hearing Aids in Presbycusis
Age-Related Hearing LossPostural; Defect1 morePresbycusis could be associated to increased risk to fall. There is little about the impact on postural balance of hearing aids. In this study, the investigators describe the postural balance evolution before and after hearing aid fitting in presbycusis-affected adults (55-80years old) consulting Angers University Hospital ENT department and ENT Medical Doctor of Le Mans .
Hearing Healthcare Assessment in Rural Communities
Hearing LossAdult-Onset2 moreAdult hearing loss in is the third most common chronic health condition in the United States. Adults living in rural areas face a higher risk of experiencing hearing loss, and more difficulty receiving testing and treatment than adults in urban settings. The goal of this clinical trial is to develop and test a community-based hearing healthcare patient navigation program in rural Kentucky. The main question this study aims to answer is: -Can the number of rural adults receiving diagnostic hearing tests be increased?