Recruiting

Can hearing aids help protect memory in older adults?

Plain-English translation of NCT06174038 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated August 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Read our Alzheimer Disease research guide →

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

EARHLI is a one-year study testing whether prescription hearing aids can help slow memory decline in people who have both hearing loss and early signs of cognitive trouble. Researchers want to understand whether improving hearing might also protect the brain and reduce the risk of dementia. Half of the 150 participants will receive hearing aids right away with professional fitting and support, while the other half will join a health education program and receive free hearing aids at the end of the year.

Scientists have noticed that hearing loss and memory problems often occur together as people age, and they suspect that untreated hearing loss may put extra stress on the brain. This study is designed to find out whether treating hearing loss early—before serious memory loss develops—might be one way to protect thinking skills and lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 55 and 75 years old
you have mild to moderate age-related hearing loss that started as an adult (not from birth)
you have been diagnosed with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (early memory problems that don't interfere with daily life)
you are willing to wear hearing aids for at least 8 hours every day
you live in the community (not in a care facility) and can stay in the study area for the full year
you have a family member or close friend who can help with study visits and memory tests

You likely don't qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with dementia or have had significant memory loss
you have already been using hearing aids regularly in the past 6 months
you have hearing loss from a genetic condition or that started before age 45
you have serious vision problems even with correction, or active ear drainage that would prevent hearing aid use
you have difficulty with 2 or more daily activities like bathing, dressing, or eating

What participation looks like

You will visit Columbia University Irving Medical Center for assessments at the start, 6 months, and 12 months. All participants receive hearing tests and blood tests, and about half will have two brain MRI scans. If you are randomly chosen for the hearing aid group, you will have 4 sessions over 8 weeks (each about 75 minutes) for professional hearing aid fitting and support, plus a follow-up session later. If you are in the health education group, you will attend the same number and length of sessions learning about healthy aging, and you'll get free hearing aids at the end of the year. Throughout the study, you may receive check-in phone calls to keep you on track.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 10, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York