HEARS Neuropsychiatric Symptoms & Hearing Loss: Addressing Hearing Loss as a Common Unmet Contributor of Neuropsychiatric Symptoms
Johns Hopkins University
Summary
This randomized controlled trial study aims to evaluate a revised hearing care intervention for older adults with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). The community-delivered hearing care intervention utilizes tailored strategies to assess impact on communication, neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), and care partner distress.
Eligibility
- Age range
- 60–100 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 60 - 100 years old * English-speaking * Diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's Disease or other related dementia according to the core clinical criteria outlined in the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and Alzheimer's Association Guidelines * Speech frequency pure tone average (0.5- 4 kHz) \>25 db in the better-hearing ear; adult onset hearing loss * Availability of caregiver/study partner who is 18+ to participate in all study-related visits and who provides care supervision * Stable (for 2 weeks or longer) dosing of medication (e.g. antidepressants, antipsychotics) for…
Interventions
- DeviceHEARS-NPS device
Tailored fitting and programming of a personal sound amplifier accompanied by an aural rehabilitation component.
- BehavioralHEARS-NPS program
Tailored aural rehabilitation for participant and care partner.
Location
- Johns Hopkins Memory and Alzheimer's Treatment CenterBaltimore, Maryland