Clinical Research Directory

Use of Airpod Pros as Assistive Technology

The goal of this study is to investigate the suitability and effectiveness of the AirPod Pro 2nd and 3rd generation (AP) as hearing assistive technology for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss when listening in noisy environments. Researchers will compare four types of assistive technology: hearing aids (HAs), AP, dedicated wireless remote microphones, and Smartphone wireless remote microphone. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Which assistive technology provides the greatest benefit for speech recognition in noisy environments? * How do these devices impact listening effort, as measured by reaction time in a dual-task activity and changes in pupil size? * What are participants' preferences for each device based on how easy it is to understand speech and their overall satisfaction? Participants will visit the lab for a single 3-hour session. They will listen to sentences using each device and repeat what they hear. During this task, their reaction times for the secondary task and changes in pupil size will be measured.

Hearing Aid Benefit in Real-World Noisy Environments

Researchers are doing this study to understand why hearing aids often work well in controlled laboratory settings but don't provide the same level of benefit in everyday noisy environments. The questions they hope to answer are: * What factors contribute to hearing aid benefit in noisy environments * What factors limit hearing aid benefit * How do real-world factors interact with common hearing aid settings Participants will complete: * Hearing and listening tests * Memory and attention assessment * Surveys on their Smartphone

Hearing Loss and Genetic Risks for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementia

Hearing loss is a prevalent and modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia in older adults, yet access to hearing care remains limited. Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids represent a promising and scalable strategy to expand access, particularly for individuals at elevated risk for dementia who may benefit most from earlier intervention. This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of OTC hearing aid use among older adults at increased risk for dementia. Participants aged ≥50 years will undergo standardized hearing screening to identify bilateral, mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Eligible participants will be randomized to one of two sequences: (1) immediate intervention: 4-mo using OTC hearing aids or (2) waitlist control: 2-mo without devices followed by an additional 4-mo using OTC hearing aids. Feasibility outcomes include study enrollment and retention, protocol adherence, and average daily device use determined by data-logging. Acceptability outcomes will be assessed using the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA), device satisfaction ratings, and participant intention to continue hearing-aid use. Hearing outcomes include validated questionnaires on hearing and listenign efforts. Findings will inform the design of larger trials aimed at improving access to hearing care and promoting cognitive health in high-risk older adults.

Evaluation of Performances, Clinical Benefits and Safety of the 'Audiocap' Connected Hearing Rehabilitation Device for Improving Audibility in Hearing-impaired People in the Context of CE Marking - AUDIOCAP-2

The goal of this clinical trial is the evaluation of performances, clinical benefits and safety of the 'Audiocap' connected hearing rehabilitation device for improving audibility in hearing-impaired people. The main question it aims to answer is to demonstrate, after one month's use of the Audiocap connected hearing aid, that the audiological gain for the patient is better than with a placebo hearing aid. Placebo hearing aid is a Audiocap connected hearing aid with a 'NONE' setting (flat frequency response for the patient (equivalent to not wearing hearing aid). Participants will be first-time hearing aid users, eligible for hearing aid fitting, and adults according to French legislation (18 years and older).

Hearing Healthcare Assessment in Rural Communities

Adult 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?

Cochlear Implant Speech in Noise Processing

The study will help us in understanding the neural mechanisms by which listeners with a cochlear implant detect speech in noisy environments.