The goal of this study is to better understand if, in patients with mild to moderate hearing loss who are also experiencing mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD), Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids: 1. improve communication 2. Whether the magnitude of benefit depends on the patient's level of cognitive disability, 3. Whether alternative remediation (such as targeted communication strategies) offer similar benefits. Participants and a communication partner will be randomized into an OTC first or Communication Strategies first arm, where participants will receive communication strategy information customized for those with cognitive impairment.
This is a single blind cross-over study comparing OTC Hearing Aids to communication strategies information/counseling and their impact on communication between a person who has hearing loss and MCI and a communication partner. Due to the nature of the study, it will not be possible to blind the participants to which arm they are in, but the scorers will be blinded.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
50
An over the counter hearing aid is a device that provides amplification appropriate for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. Participants will receive the devices with typical directions and have one scheduled remote visit one week after receiving devices with an audiologist.
Communication Strategies provide information meant to help an individual compensate for hearing loss. The information provides tips both for the individual with hearing loss and for those communicating. People who choose not to pursue hearing aids will typically be given communication strategies information to help them manage their hearing loss. Participants will receive the counseling information in the mail and then have a 1 week follow-up appointment with an audiologist.
Northwestern University HA Lab
Evanston, Illinois, United States
RECRUITINGLa Crosse Mayo Clinic
La Crosse, Wisconsin, United States
ENROLLING_BY_INVITATIONUW Madison
Madison, Wisconsin, United States
RECRUITINGPerception of Conversation Index - Dementia Alzheimer's Type (PCI-DAT)
A questionnaire completed by the communication partner of the individual with MCI and hearing loss. On this scale, higher scores reflect more frequent and more problematic conversation difficulties; item possible scores range from 0 (not problematic) to 7 (.very problematic)
Time frame: Baseline at enrollment, then after 4 weeks of using each intervention
Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE)
Questionnaire has 25 items with subscales for social and emotional impacts and is scored from 0-100, with 100 representing least handicap.
Time frame: Baseline at enrollment, then after 4 weeks of using each intervention
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