RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07192757

Improving Speech in Noise Perception for Individuals With Age-related Hearing Loss


Sponsor

University of Florida

Enrollment

36 participants

Start Date

Dec 1, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Summary

Hearing loss, especially for speech perception in the presence of noise, may lead older individuals to withdraw from social situations. While hearing aids help amplify sound and are useful in many situations, they can be ineffective in noisy contexts. The proposed pilot study will evaluate taVNS for improving speech in noise perception in adults with age-related hearing loss.


Eligibility

Min Age: 55 YearsMax Age: 80 Years

Inclusion Criteria2

  • Adults 55-80 years old
  • Normal hearing or age-related hearing loss (with or without hearing aids)

Exclusion Criteria4

  • History of traumatic brain injury or noise trauma
  • Implanted medical devices (eg., pacemaker) or ferrous metal
  • Known history of heart conditions
  • Medications that impact neurotransmitters released by vagus nerve stimulation

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Interventions

DEVICEtranscutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation

active electrical stimulation applied to the cymba conchae of the left ear

DEVICESham Control

electrical stimulation applied to a location on the ear not innervated by the auricular vagus


Locations(1)

UF Health at the University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida, United States

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NCT07192757