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40 Hz Gamma Auditory Stimulation for Delirium Prevention in Critically Ill ICU Patients
Sponsor: Peking Union Medical College Hospital
Summary
Delirium is a common acute disturbance of attention and cognition among critically ill patients and is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation, longer hospital stays, and increased mortality. This multicenter, quadruple-masked, randomized controlled trial will evaluate whether 40 Hz gamma auditory stimulation can help prevent delirium in mechanically ventilated adult ICU patients. A total of 142 participants aged 50 years or older who are expected to require mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive either 40 Hz gamma auditory stimulation or a silent audio track, in addition to standard ICU care. The assigned intervention will be delivered through identical earphones twice daily at 08:00 and 20:00, for 60 minutes per session, until extubation or Day 7 after randomization, whichever occurs first. The primary outcome is the number of delirium- and coma-free days during the first 7 days after randomization. Secondary outcomes include the incidence and duration of delirium during this period, duration of mechanical ventilation, length of ICU and hospital stay through Day 28, and 28-day all-cause mortality.
Official title: Efficacy of 40 Hz Gamma Auditory Stimulation for the Prevention of Delirium in Critically Ill ICU Patients: A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
50 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
142
Start Date
2026-10-31
Completion Date
2029-01-31
Last Updated
2026-10-15
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
40 Hz Gamma Auditory Stimulation
40 Hz isochronic tones are presented synchronously to both ears through standardized high-fidelity wired in-ear noise-canceling earphones. The sound level is maintained at 65-70 decibels (dB). The intervention is administered twice daily at 08:00 and 20:00 for 60 minutes per session, beginning after randomization and continuing until extubation or Day 7 after randomization, whichever occurs first. Standard ICU care is provided concurrently.
Silent Audio Control
A silent audio track is presented through standardized high-fidelity wired in-ear noise-canceling earphones. The device appearance, wearing procedure, session schedule, and duration are matched to the experimental intervention. Sessions are administered twice daily at 08:00 and 20:00 for 60 minutes per session, beginning after randomization and continuing until extubation or Day 7 after randomization, whichever occurs first. Standard ICU care is provided concurrently.
Locations (1)
Peking Union Medical College Hospital
Beijing, Beijing Municipality, China