In this study we are testing computer-based brain fitness exercises. The games are designed to improve people's cognitive abilities brain functions, like memory, concentration, and ability to do two things at once. We are testing whether this cognitive training brain exercises will improve understanding of spoken sentences speech comprehension in people who use cochlear implant and/or hearing aids. We predict that cognitive training will improve speech comprehension in cochlear implant and/or hearing aid users.
Aural rehabilitation is a life long process in spite of advanced innovative implant technology. Existing standard therapy is inadequate for some people, because even after years of surgery many implant users does not obtain significant benefits, like improved understanding of spoken sentences. In many cases it seems that the speech comprehension deficits are linked to particular cognitive functions in cochlear implant users, including memory and attention. In this study we will test whether a computer-based set of "cognitive fitness" or "brain training" games designed to improve memory and attention will help cochlear implant and hearing aid users to understand speech better. Cochlear implant and hearing aid users will complete 10 weeks of computer-based cognitive training on their home computers. Half of participants will do this training immediately after being enrolled in the study; the other half will receive the training beginning 10 weeks after they are enrolled. Speech comprehension and cognitive abilities will be assessed at baseline, 10, 20 and 30 weeks in all participants.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
12
Computer-based training of basic cognitive functions. It has activities under two headings, 1. General training applications 2. Memory training applications Each individual session in both groups will include playing specific computer games for at least 1/2 hour a day, 3 days per week, throughout the 10 week interval.
NeuroCognitive Imaging Lab, Dalhousie University
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
AzBio Sentence test - change in score from baseline to post-training
Sentences are played along with masking noise (multi-talker babble). Participants must repeat each sentence as they heard it. Accuracy in repeating the sentences is the outcome measure.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 10, 20 and 30
Change from Baseline in CANTABeclipse for clinical trials
It is a method of assessing the brain-functions of a person using computerized non-linguistic tests by touch screen technology making it rapid and safe. It has been widely used globally to assess brain-functions in more than 100 disorders. More than 700 articles have been published using CANTABeclipse by over 500 academic institutions or industry researchers in 60 different countries. Tasks are performed by touch screen technology. It assesses brain-functions such as planning, problem solving, working memory etc.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 10, 20 and 30
Change from Baseline in Speech Spatial Qualities questionnaire
The Spatial Speech Qualities of Hearing scale questionnaire (SSQ; Gatehouse \& Noble, 2004) is used to assess the self reported hearing disabilities across several domains such as hearing speech in challenging contexts and to the directional, distance and movement components of spatial hearing.
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 10, 20 and 30
Change from Baseline in CogniFit NeuroPsychological Assessment
The CogniFit Neuropsychological assessment is a multi domain cognitive task. It measures 18 cognitive abilities such as visuospatial working memory, visuospatial learning, focused attention, updating, monitoring etc. (Haimov et al., 2008; Peretz et al., 2011b; Shatil et al., 2010; Verghese et al., 2010)
Time frame: Baseline, Weeks 10, 20 and 30
Adherence record
Access usage data from CogniFit website will be recorded. Recording includes time spent on each session (start and end time), number of games played during each session
Time frame: Upto 30 weeks
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