EFFECT OF A HEARING INTERVENTION ON THREE-YEAR CHANGE IN BRAIN MORPHOLOGY: ACHIEVE RANDOMIZED TRIAL
2024
Hearing Intervention and Brain Changes in Older Adults
Sample size: 977
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Pike James
Primary Institution: New York University
Hypothesis
Can hearing aids reduce age-related brain atrophy in older adults with hearing loss?
Conclusion
A hearing intervention may help reduce cortical thinning in older adults with hearing loss.
Supporting Evidence
- The study involved 977 older adults with untreated hearing loss.
- Participants were randomized to receive either a hearing intervention or health education.
- MRI scans were conducted to assess changes in brain morphology over three years.
- Statistically significant effects were observed in specific brain regions.
Takeaway
This study found that helping older people hear better might also help their brains stay healthier.
Methodology
Randomized controlled trial comparing a hearing intervention to a health education control, with MRI assessments.
Limitations
The study only included participants with untreated hearing loss and without substantial cognitive impairment.
Participant Demographics
Community-dwelling adults aged 70-84 years, with 50.3% women and 11.7% Black participants.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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