What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Common treatments for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) include hearing aids and cochlear implants, both of which involve auditory processing technology similar to nonlinear signal processing algorithms. Hearing aids generally have minimal side effects, but some users may experience discomfort, earwax buildup, or skin irritation. Cochlear implants, while effective, carry risks such as surgical complications, infections, and device malfunction. Additionally, some patients may experience dizziness, tinnitus, or a change in taste. These treatments aim to enhance speech perception and overall hearing ability, but it is important to discuss potential side effects with a healthcare provider.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

As of now, there are no FDA-approved drugs specifically for the treatment of Sensorineural Hearing Loss (SNHL). Current management strategies primarily involve the use of hearing aids and cochlear implants, which are designed to improve hearing by amplifying sound or directly stimulating the auditory nerve. These devices often incorporate advanced signal processing algorithms to enhance speech perception and auditory processing, similar to the technologies being studied in trials for Nonlinear Signal Processing Algorithms. While pharmacological treatments are still under investigation, the focus remains on technological solutions to manage SNHL.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to Nonlinear Signal Processing Algorithms for sensorineural hearing loss patients include: 1) Cochlear implants, especially bilateral implantation, which have shown significant improvements in speech perception and language development in children and adults. 2) Bone-anchored hearing aids, which provide benefits and improved quality of life for patients with conductive or mixed hearing loss. 3) Pharmacological treatments such as L-n-acetyl-cysteine and D-methionine, which have shown potential in protecting against auditory neuronal and hair cell toxicity. 4) Emerging therapies like repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for managing associated conditions like tinnitus.

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Advanced Sound Processing for Hearing Loss

N/A

Recruiting

Research Sponsored by Indiana University

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Between the ages of 18 and 65

Have bilateral, symmetric sensorineural hearing loss that is less than 75 decibels (dB) Hearing Level (HL) at 1000 Hz and below.

Must not have

Subjects who are not native speakers of English.

Subjects with normal hearing, mixed hearing loss, or asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss.

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up 15 minutes

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is testing special computer programs in a wearable device to help people who use hearing aids understand speech better. The device adjusts sound volume based on how loud the sounds are, making it easier to hear quiet sounds without making loud sounds too loud.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for English-speaking adults aged 18-65 with bilateral, symmetric sensorineural hearing loss that's less than 75 dB at low frequencies. It excludes non-native English speakers, those with normal or mixed hearing loss, asymmetric hearing loss, and severe loss above 70 dB at higher frequencies.

What is being tested?

The study tests the Tympan device to see how its nonlinear signal processing algorithms affect speech understanding in people with certain types of hearing loss.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves a non-invasive device designed to improve speech perception, side effects are minimal but may include discomfort from wearing the device.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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I am between 18 and 65 years old.

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My hearing loss in both ears is less than 75 dB at low tones.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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English is not my first language.

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My hearing is normal or I have mixed or uneven hearing loss.

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I am younger than 18 or older than 65.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ 15 minutes

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~15 minutes

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and 15 minutes for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

Speech understanding

Secondary study objectives

Preference

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Perceptual measuresExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Perception will be measured for different algorithm settings and environmental variables (type of noise and signal-to-noise ratio)

0 / 5Eligibility criteria met

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Common treatments for sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) include hearing aids, cochlear implants, and auditory processing technologies like nonlinear signal processing algorithms. Hearing aids amplify sound to make it more accessible to damaged auditory pathways. Cochlear implants bypass damaged hair cells in the cochlea, directly stimulating the auditory nerve. Nonlinear signal processing algorithms enhance speech perception by selectively amplifying speech signals while reducing background noise. These mechanisms are crucial for SNHL patients as they improve the clarity and intelligibility of sounds, thereby enhancing communication abilities and overall quality of life.