Working memory training for adult hearing aid users: study protocol for a double-blind randomized active controlled...

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Cognitive Science
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Mild-to-moderate hearing loss affects many adults, with challenges extending beyond audiometric thresholds.
• Cognitive abilities, particularly working memory, play a crucial role in speech perception for individuals with hearing loss.
• Working memory training shows potential for rehabilitative interventions in hearing-impaired populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of working memory training in adult hearing aid users with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
• To assess improvements in untrained cognitive measures, speech perception, and self-reported hearing abilities.
• To provide high-quality preliminary evidence for cognitive-based hearing loss interventions.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized active controlled trial design.
• Participants (50-74 years) with mild-to-moderate hearing loss received either working memory training or a placebo control.
• Outcomes included measures of cognition, speech perception, and self-reported hearing.

Main Results:

• Preliminary evidence suggests working memory training may enhance speech perception in hearing aid users.
• The study assessed improvements in untrained cognitive and self-reported hearing measures.
• Results contribute to understanding cognitive compensation in hearing loss.

Conclusions:

• Working memory training is a promising intervention for adult hearing aid users with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss.
• The trial incorporated an active control group, participant/tester blinding, and transparent reporting.
• Further research is warranted to confirm the benefits of cognitive training for hearing loss.