THE ACHIEVE TRIAL: EFFECT OF HEARING LOSS INTERVENTION ON WHITE MATTER INTEGRITY
2024
Hearing Loss Treatment and Brain Health
Sample size: 977
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Jennifer Deal
Primary Institution: Johns Hopkins University
Hypothesis
Does hearing treatment affect white matter integrity in older adults?
Conclusion
Hearing treatment slows the rate of white matter hyperintensity change in the brain of older adults.
Supporting Evidence
- Hearing treatment was compared to a health education control.
- The study involved 3T brain MRI scans at baseline and Year 3.
- Hearing treatment slowed rates of white matter hyperintensity change.
Takeaway
Helping older people hear better can also help their brains stay healthy.
Methodology
The study used a randomized controlled trial design with MRI scans to assess brain changes.
Potential Biases
Control participants were older and had lower baseline memory scores.
Limitations
The study only included participants who completed both MRI scans.
Participant Demographics
Participants were aged 70-84 years, 50% female, and 12% self-reported Black race.
Statistical Information
Confidence Interval
95% CI: -0.152, -0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website