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NCT Number: NCT07192757

Improving Speech in Noise Perception for Individuals With Age-related Hearing Loss

Hearing loss, especially for speech perception in the presence of noise, may lead older individuals to withdraw from social situations. While hearing aids help amplify sound and are useful in many situations, they can be ineffective in noisy contexts. The proposed pilot study will evaluate taVNS for improving speech in noise perception in adults with age-related hearing loss.

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Key information

Conditions

Presbycusis Ear Diseases Hearing Disorders Hearing Loss Hearing Loss, Sensorineural Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Otorhinolaryngologic Diseases Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Sensation Disorders Signs and Symptoms

Age range

55 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

UF Health at the University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States

Location status: Recruiting

Location contact

Tracy Centanni, Ph.D.

CONTACT

[email protected]

352-294-8675

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults 55-80 years old
  • Normal hearing or age-related hearing loss (with or without hearing aids)

Exclusion criteria

  • History of traumatic brain injury or noise trauma
  • Implanted medical devices (eg., pacemaker) or ferrous metal
  • Known history of heart conditions
  • Medications that impact neurotransmitters released by vagus nerve stimulation

Treatment and study plan

Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation

Device

active electrical stimulation applied to the cymba conchae of the left ear

sham control

Device

electrical stimulation applied to a location on the ear not innervated by the auricular vagus

Primary outcomes

  1. Speech in noise performance

    Time frame: 2 weeks

    Percent correct on a speech in noise perception task in participants receiving Treatment A compared to Treatment B

Other outcomes

  1. Predictive value of audiometric testing

    Time frame: 2 weeks

    Scores on audiometric battery measures and how they differ in those receiving treatment A compared to those receiving treatment B

  2. Predictive value of brain measures

    Time frame: 2 weeks

    Level of baseline GABA levels in primary auditory cortex prior to and following intervention in those receiving Treatment A compared to those receiving Treatment B

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Tracy Centanni, PhD

CONTACT

[email protected]

3522948675

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Florida

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Sep 25, 2025
Registry last updated
Dec 5, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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