Student Tulane University School of Medicine Tulane University Medical School New Orleans, Louisiana
Disclosure(s): No financial or nonfinancial relationships to disclose.
Abstract: This research study is a randomized-controlled trial aiming to evaluate the effects of a computer-mediated, auditory training program (Acoustic Pioneer), on two auditory temporal processing behavioral measures: the Tests for Auditory Processing Disorders in Adolescents and Adults (SCAN-3), and the Multiple Auditory Processing Assessment (MAPA).
Behavioral performance will be measured in older adults with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss and age-matched controls at two time points: pre- and post- ten weeks of training (or no-training for the control group). This study is still in progress but will report on the data of at least 52 subjects.
Summary: Background Presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss (ARHL), which affects almost half of adults aged 75 and older (Cassarly et al., 2020), is a slow accumulation of impairments to the auditory processing network that increasingly disrupt speech comprehension, especially in noisy environments. Hearing aids are most common intervention, but not all types of ARHL are conducive to mitigation by amplification, and hearing-aid uptake is notoriously low due to cost, hassle, and perceived lack of benefit (McCormack & Fortnum, 2013). Thus, patients with ARHL may require additional audiological rehabilitative services. Evidence exists that auditory and cognitive rehabilitative training therapies can reduce and remediate the effects of ARHL on auditory processing abilities and speech perception (e.g. Barker and Hicks, 2019; Chisolm & Arnold, 2012; Henshaw & Ferguson, 2013). This current study will evaluate the potential of two commercially available, auditory training applications developed by Acoustic Pioneer, Ltd. and their potential to benefit older adults. Designed for and validated for therapeutic use with children, these applications target various auditory and cognitive processing abilities such as dichotic listening, auditory attention and working memory.
Objective The objective of this study is to evaluate the potential of a self-administered, gamified cognitive auditory training program (Acoustic Pioneer), designed for and validated for therapeutic use with children, in enhancing the auditory temporal processing of older adults thereby mitigating the effects of ARHL as evidenced by two auditory temporal processing behavioral measures: the Tests for Auditory Processing Disorders in Adolescents and Adults (SCAN-3), and the Multiple Auditory Processing Assessment (MAPA).
Subjects Older adults (≥ 60 years old) are currently participating in this study. Subjects with abnormal middle ear function (as assessed via otoscopy and immittance measurements) and asymmetric hearing loss (defined as inter-aural differences ≥25 dB HL at two or more frequencies) were excluded from participation. Subjects are native English-speaking, healthy adults with access to the internet, who are capable of using a touch-screen tablet. Subjects were randomized into an experimental group receiving auditory training, and a “no-action” control group receiving no training. To date, 54 subjects have completed the pre-testing phase; and 26 subjects are currently undergoing the auditory training program.
Procedures The preliminary assessment includes a computerized cognitive assessment (Cognivue); a comprehensive audiological evaluation, and behavioral testing for auditory processing using the SCAN-3 and MAPA assessments. Participants assigned to the experimental group engage in at least four self-directed, weekly training sessions for up to ten weeks or until completing all the levels of training. In each session, participants play two cognitive auditory training games on a touchscreen iPad or Chromebook using over-the-ear headphones or earbuds. Play last approximately 15 minutes per game, which then time out until the following day. After the training period, all participants will be assessed for a second time.
Anticipated Findings This study is still in progress. However, we anticipate that the experimental group will show improvements in auditory processing skills as measured via the SCAN-3 and MAPA assessments following the training with the Acoustic Pioneer application – when compared to the control group.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, participants will be able to discuss the importance of auditory training rehabilitative services that could benefit older adults with hearing loss.
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