The purpose of the current study is to measure oxygenation in the PFC using fNIRS in a sample of older adults with hearing loss. Adults with hearing loss will be asked to repeat the final word from low-context sentences in noise at two SNRs; a hard SNR (individually-measured SNR-50), and an easy SNR (SNR-50 + 10 dB) both without and with hearing aids set to a directional mode. The procedure will be a within-subject repeated measures. Stimuli will be randomized.
See above.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
BASIC_SCIENCE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Participants will listen to stimuli in the environment while wearing hearing aids which should make the stimuli more audible. Speech in noise performance is expected to improve and PFC oxygenation is expected to be reduced in this condition.
Participants will listen to stimuli in the environment with their hearing loss. Speech in noise performance is expected to decline and PFC oxygenation is expected to be increased in this condition.
Sonova Innovation Centre Toronto
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Listening effort
Listening effort inferred from infrared light scattered from the prefrontal cortex, which is indicative of concentration of oxygenated blood in that region. A higher concentration is indicative of more listening effort.
Time frame: Up to 2 hours during 1 session
Speech-in-noise performance
Number of words repeatedly correctly for a given listening condition.
Time frame: Up to 2 hours during 1 session
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.