Clinical Research Directory

Investigation of Sky Automatic Technologies in Pediatrics

The hypothesis of this research is that the AS Target setting provides the best estimate of the settings required to optimize listening in noise. As such, it is expected that speech in noise performance will be best in the AS Target condition, followed by the AS Clinic condition, and the Omni condition will be the least favourable for speech in noise performance.

A Study to Evaluate Clinical Benefit, Performance and Safety of Cochlear Implants in Adults

The aim of this clinical investigation is to demonstrate the performance, clinical benefit and safety of commercial cochlear implant systems. Speech performance and subjective hearing results, and comparison with cochlear implant results available in literature, is intended to demonstrate the performance and clinical benefit of the cochlear implant systems investigated in this study.

Randomised Study of Web-Based Auditory Training With Varying Perceptual and Cognitive Demands on Training Gains and Generalised Speech, Cognitive, and Communication Outcomes

WP1: PLUS-Auditory Training The goal of this experimental study is to better understand how task difficulty affects on-task learning thresholds and generalised benefits in two PLUS auditory training tasks involving perceptual and cognitive learning in adults aged 18+ (no upper age limit) with listening difficulties. The main question it aims to answer is: * Does adjusting task difficulty in PLUS, by manipulating the perceptual and cognitive demands of the phonemic discrimination and competing speech tasks, affect on-task learning thresholds and off-task performance in adults with listening difficulties? Researchers will compare the two experimental arms (easy/hard) to see whether adjusting task difficulty influences on-task learning thresholds and off-task performance. Participants will: * Be randomly assigned to one of two training programs (phonemic discrimination or competing speech) within the two experimental arms (easy/hard); * Perform training for a minimum of 30 minutes per day, 5 days per week, for two weeks (total 10 training sessions, 5 hours of training); * Complete pre- and post- training assessments to measure on-task learning performance and change in performance for untrained measures of speech perception, cognition and self-reported outcomes. WP2: Post-Training Focus Groups The goal of this observational study is to gain in-depth qualitative insights into participants' motivations, experiences of task difficulty, and perceived benefits across the PLUS-AT training groups in adults aged 18+ (no upper age limit) with listening difficulties. The main question it aims to answer is: * How do participants describe their experiences and perceptions of PLUS-AT, particularly regarding task difficulty and self-perceived changes in listening, hearing, thinking, and quality of life? Researchers will explore participant experiences across the two experimental arms (easy/hard) to determine whether motivations for seeking auditory training, knowledge and beliefs about auditory training, attitudes toward PLUS-AT difficulty, and self-perceived changes in listening, hearing, thinking, and quality of life differ. A subset of participants (n = 20) will: * Be invited from WP1 to join one of four online focus groups (60-90 minutes via Microsoft Teams); * Attend the focus group corresponding to their assigned training program (phonemic discrimination or competing-speech) within the two experimental arms (easy/hard); * Share their experiences of completing PLUS-AT.

BEARS Training Package to Maximise Hearing Abilities in Older Children and Teenagers With Bilateral Cochlear Implants

The goal of the BEARS clinical trial is to determine whether using the directional listening training delivered via the BEARS training package for 3-months alongside usual care compared to only receiving usual care improves speech-in-noise perception, hearing experiences, vocabulary and quality of life and reduces listening effort in young people between 8-16 years old (inclusive) with two cochlear implants. The participants will complete hearing assessments and questionnaires before completing the 3-month intervention. They will be followed up for the next 9-months through online and in-person appointments.

Auditory-Cognitive Training to Optimize Outcomes for Older CI Users

The proposed study will investigate whether an auditory brain training program can improve cochlear implant (CI) outcomes in older post-lingually deafened CI users. The study will evaluate the potential benefit of training on speech recognition performance, psychosocial and cognitive function.

Remote Microphone Performance Comparison in Adults With Hearing Loss

This study will compare far-field speech understanding in noise using a hearing aid alone, with using a hearing aid plus a Roger remote microphone. It will also compare the HA+Roger mic to two other manufacturers' hearing aids plus remote mic systems in the same condition.

Improving Speech in Noise Using Noninvasive Stimulation

Traumatic brain injury, a common injury in military service personnel, often leads to poor processing of speech in noisy environments. The goal of the current study is to better understand the brain basis for this difficulty and evaluate a new approach to improving speech in noise perception.

Behavioral Parent Training for Families With Deaf and Hard of Hearing Preschoolers

Children who are deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) rarely receive behavioral interventions to prevent the long-term costly outcomes of behavior problems. This project will systematically adapt an evidence-based parent training intervention to increase its acceptability and relevance for parents of young DHH children. Effectiveness of the adapted intervention and its implementation with parents of young DHH children followed in "real world" hearing healthcare clinics will be assessed.

Apple Hearing Study

The Apple Hearing Study is a partnership between the University of Michigan and Apple to study sound exposure and its impact on hearing health. This groundbreaking study will advance the understanding of how hearing could be impacted over time by exposure to sound at certain levels. The investigators will measure headphone and environmental sound exposures over time among participants, and determine how these exposures impact hearing and stress levels. US residents who own an iPhone, download the Apple Research app and consent to participate will be randomly assigned to two groups, one with a "Basic" user interface in the Research app, and one with an "Advanced" user interface. Users in the "Advanced" group will receive additional information about their exposures and be given additional surveys and hearing tests based on their music and environmental sound exposures. The study will provide investigators with a better understanding of listening behavior and its overall impact on hearing health. This information will in turn help guide public health policy and prevention programs designed to protect and promote hearing health in the US and globally.

ACT-based Parenting Program for Caregivers of Children With Hearing Loss Post-cochlear: A Pilot Randomised Controlled Trial

The purpose of the proposed pilot randomized controlled design study is to evaluate the feasibility, acceptability, and potential effectiveness of using a videoconferencing-based individual Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) approach to enhance the mental well-being and parenting competence of parents of children with hearing loss post-cochlear implantation over a three-month period after the intervention has taken place.

Hearing Health Equity Through Accessible Research and Solutions for Korean Americans

The objective of this study is to test the effect of a community-delivered, affordable, and accessible hearing care intervention on improving communication function and health-related quality of life among older Korean Americans (KA) and the older Korean American's care partners that integrates a low-cost over-the-counter amplification device and hearing rehabilitation in comparison to a 6-month delayed treatment group through a cluster randomized controlled study.

Evaluating an Audiology Text-Message Protocol to Support Hearing Aid Use in NHS Adult Audiology Patients

Over 18 million adults in the United Kingdom have significant hearing loss, linked to isolation, depression and comorbidities. Hearing aids are the main management option yet are frequently unused (\~23%) or used irregularly (\<40%), wasting NHS resources and reducing quality-of-life gains. Digital behaviour-change interventions can improve self-management between appointments. Florence, an NHS-endorsed text-messaging system, has been used in the management of other long-term conditions, but has not yet been applied within audiology. This study will test a standardised audiology text-message protocol, delivered via Florence, to support new NHS hearing aid users, aiming to improve adherence, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. Outcomes assess trial feasibility (primary objective), proof-of concept for efficacy (secondary objective), and process evaluation (tertiary objective).

Atorvastatin to Reduce Cisplatin-Induced Hearing Loss Among Individuals With Head and Neck Cancer

Background: Cisplatin is used to treat head and neck cancer. People who take this drug are at risk for hearing loss. Atorvastatin is a drug used to treat high cholesterol. It might reduce the risk of cisplatin-induced hearing loss. Objective: To find out if atorvastatin reduces hearing loss in people treated with cisplatin and radiation. Eligibility: People ages 18 and older with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who will undergo treatment with cisplatin-based chemotherapy and radiation Design: Participants will be screened with their medical records. Participants currently taking a cholesterol-lowering statin medication are invited to participate in the observational arm of the study. Those not taking such a medication are invited to participate in the interventional arm of the study. All participants will have 3 study visits for the purpose of evaluating hearing. One before starting cisplatin treatment, one within 3 months of completing cancer treatment, and one within 2 years of completing cancer treatment. They will have tympanograms. A small flexible tip will be placed in the ear canal. A puff of air will be delivered to assess mobility of the ear drum. They will have hearing tests. They will wear headphones. They will listen to tones that vary in loudness. They will be asked to indicate when they hear a sound. They will complete 3 questionnaires at the time of each hearing test. Participants will have 2 visits for blood tests. These will occur upon consent and 12 weeks after. They will be randomly assigned to take the study drug or placebo orally, once daily. They will take it during cisplatin treatment and for 3 months after treatment. Long-term follow up will include a chart review 2 years after participants complete their cisplatin therapy.

Collection of Clinical Data and Specimens for Research in Hearing, Balance, Taste, Smell, Voice, Speech, and Language Disorders.

Background: People with hearing, balance, and taste, smell, voice, speech, language, and other Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) disorders may seek treatment at the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD). Some of these people may benefit from enrolling in the NIDCD intramural research program to receive their care. Enrolling will also allow investigators to collect participants clinical data and specimens for future research. Objective: This natural history study has 2 goals: (1) to collect data and specimens that may be used for research; and (2) to evaluate participants who may be candidates for other research studies. Eligibility: People aged 2 years or older with a hearing, balance, and communication disorder. Those at risk or who are suspected of having such a disorder are also eligible. Design: Participants will be screened. Their medical records will be reviewed. Participants will agree to have their medical data used for research. Specimens such as blood or other tissue samples may also be used for research. All data and specimens will be collected during their routine care visits. All tests done will be the normal care for each participant s condition. No tests will be done solely for research. Some of these tests may require blood or tissue samples. Some may use special tools to test hearing and balance. Some may test heart or lung function. These tests may also include different types of imaging scans. All tests will be explained. Participants may ask questions at any time. Participants may remain in this study for up to 2 years. If they need further care, they may sign a new consent. ...

Safety and Efficacy of a Drug Eluting Slim Modiolar Electrode Array

This clinical study will test a new type of cochlear implant known as CI632D. This experimental cochlear implant has been designed to slowly release a drug called dexamethasone. Dexamethasone works to ease inflammation and reduce tissue injury, which is common after any type of surgery. The goal is to learn if the dexamethasone in the CI632D implant lessens these reactions inside the ear following surgery and if this makes the implant work as well, or even better, in improving hearing than what would be expected with a standard cochlear implant. The study will be conducted in adults with sensorineural hearing loss, a type of hearing loss caused by damage to the inner ear or auditory nerve (the nerve that carries sound signals from the ear to the brain). The study participants will receive the CI632D experimental implant and will complete tests to see how well they are hearing and how well the implant is working.

MED-EL HEARING SOLUTIONS (MEHS): AN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

This Registry represents a non-interventional systematic collection of clinical data in which prospective data from children and adults are collected as fully anonymized data sets, derived from original clinical records on appropriately informed subjects. This is a patient-outcomes Registry for subjects of any age who are provided in routine clinical practice with one or more MED-EL hearing devices. The Registry aims to collect data for hypothesis generation on subject device use, auditory performance, quality of life and health-related utilities, across different types of implantable and non-implantable hearing devices from MED-EL company. Subjects will be evaluated with a set of standardized tests and questionnaires prior to implantation or prior to initial device activation (baseline) and at follow-up intervals according to the clinical practice.

Efficacy and Effectiveness of an Investigational Behind-the-Ear Hearing Device Kit

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if Sonova's rechargeable behind-the-ear hearing device kit works to treat hearing loss in adults. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Does the rechargeable behind-the-ear hearing device kit address challenging listening situations identified by participants while providing a satisfactory user experience? * Does the rechargeable behind-the-ear hearing device kit improve speech understanding in noise in a lab setting? Researchers will compare participants' performance with the rechargeable behind-the-ear hearing device kit to the unaided condition to see if it works to treat hearing loss. The rechargeable behind-the-ear hearing device kit will be subjectively compared to their personal hearing device experience. Participants will: * Use the rechargeable behind-the-ear hearing device kit for approximately 2 weeks. * Visit the clinic for the initial fitting and follow-up testing at the end of the study. Additional study visits may take place, as needed. * Complete questionnaires to identify challenging listening situations and provide feedback on their experience with the devices. * Complete lab testing to assess speech intelligibility in the presence of background noise and provide subjective feedback on features in the Mobile application.

Intracochlear Application of VSF1.01 for the Reduction of Cochlear Implant Surgery Related Trauma

The goal of this clinical trial is to assess the safety of intracochlear application of VSF1.01 for the reduction of cochlear implant surgery related trauma in patients with profound hearing loss with or without non-functional residual hearing in low frequencies and cochlear implantation. The main questions it aims to answer are: Primary objective: Safety of intracochlear application of VSF1.01 in patients receiving cochlear implantation Secondary objectives: Effectiveness on 1. neural responses of auditory nerve 2. speech understanding 3. hearing thresholds 4. electrode impedances During cochlear implant operation, patients receive as adjuvant treatment intracochlear VSF1.01 prior to insertion of the electrode array. Cochlear implantation is conducted according to the clinical standard at the investigational site.

AI Noise Reduction in Phonak Hearing Aids

The purpose of this study is to determine if artificial intelligence- based noise reduction can offer objective improvement in hearing and speech perception for hearing impaired patients.

Exploration of the Functional Effect of Modified Gain Precalculation on Soft Speech Intelligibility

An exploratory investigation of gain precalculation principles in CE-labelled Sonova brand hearing instruments (e.g. Phonak hearing instruments) is intended to be conducted on hearing impaired participants. These gain precalculation principles are enabled by respective hearing instrument technologies and hearing instrument algorithms. The aim of the study is to investigate and assess strength and weaknesses of these gain precalculation principles in terms of speech intelligibility to determine their application in hearing instruments (Phase of development). Objective laboratory measurements as well as subjective ratings will be carried out. This will be a controlled, single blinded and randomized active comparator clinical evaluation which will be conducted mono centric at Sonova AG Headquarter based in Stäfa.

Cochlear Implant Recipients: Comprehensive Longitudinal Evaluation

This study aims to assess hearing and speech perception, as well as quality of life, in deaf patients of all ages before and after cochlear implantation, and to explore differences across age groups and treatment subtypes, thereby providing evidence for personalized hearing and speech rehabilitation.

Preschool Hearing Screening

Children who are deaf or hard-of-hearing (D/HH) are at risk of speech and language delays, which can be mitigated through early identification and intervention. Identifying hearing loss (HL) during preschool is crucial, but the most effective hearing screening method for preschoolers remains uncertain. The purpose of this study is to learn whether, compared to the gold-standard two-stage Pure-tone audiometry (PTA) + otoacoustic emissions (OAE) screening (TS-PO), single-stage OAE (SS-O) screening alone is not inferior at identifying hearing loss when performed in a community-based preschool setting. This study holds the potential to improve early hearing loss detection and intervention among D/HH children, reducing the likelihood of speech and language delays. A diverse group of 13,764 preschool-age children across community-based preschool centers will be recruited. The intervention involves all subjects undergoing both PTA and OAE screening, with the order determined through randomization. Children who show potential hearing issues based on screening results or teacher concerns will receive further testing to determine the final hearing outcome. Group allocation will be post-hoc, based on their screening results. In addition to the primary objective, the study will compare other hearing screening measures and outcomes between the two methods (TS-PO and SS-O). This approach aims to reflect the real-life effectiveness of hearing screening in a diverse population. Ultimately, the study seeks to provide insights into an optimal hearing screening method that could prevent speech and language delays among D/HH children.

Pupillary Dilation During Post-Auricular Vagal Nerve Stimulation

The research team will evaluate pupillary dilation from vagal nerve stimulation of Arnold's Nerve, a branch of the vagus nerve, during routine cochlear implantation surgery.

Adaptation of Pediatric Speech Audiometry Tests Into Other Languages

The objective of this study was to offer a comprehensive framework for the adaptation of speech audiometric tests into other languages. To date, this is the first universal protocol of its kind that systematically considers linguistic, phonological, and audiological aspects. The present paper provides a protocol and an example for adaptation and standardization of the Mainzer Audiometric Test for Children (MATCH) to another language.