Speech Perception in Noise as an Improved Marker for Neurocognitive Dysfunction
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center
Summary
The purpose of this study is to determine whether people with MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment) and healthy comparison subjects differ with respect to their ability to hear soft sounds and how their brain understands and processes sound. The investigators are also evaluating, within those with MCI, whether the hearing tests are associated with neurocognitive functioning. The investigators are interested in learning whether changes in cognition in those with MCI can be detected using tests of how the brain processes sound. The investigators hypothesize that participants with MCI will score worse on both hearing tests and neurocognitive tests than participants without MCI. Participants are asked to complete multiple types of hearing tests, take a series of neurocognitive tests, and complete a few questionnaires.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 55–80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults diagnosed with or suspected to have MCI (for MCI group) or are cognitively normal (for Control group) * Absence of other risk factors that might affect CAP (Central Auditory Processing) performance (e.g., active ear infections, congenital developmental delay, severe hearing loss) * Age 55-80 * Normal hearing sensitivity (\<40 dB HL Pure Tone Average (average of 500, 1000, 2000 Hz) thresholds bilaterally * Normal middle ear function defined by tympanometry (0.3-2.0 ml) * Native English speaker Exclusion Criteria: * Active ear infections or abnormal middle ear pat…
Location
- Space Medicine Lab at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical CenterLebanon, New Hampshire