Alzheimer DiseaseEARHLINCT06174038
Early Age-Related Hearing Loss Investigation (EARHLI)
A study testing Hearing Intervention and Health Education Intervention in people with Alzheimer Disease and Hearing Loss, run by Columbia University at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Early Age-Related Hearing Loss Investigation (EARHLI) is a single site study that will randomize late middle age adults to either a hearing intervention (including hearing aids) or a health education intervention. Participants will be followed for 1 year. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 55 to 75 years
- Conditions the study is for
- Alzheimer Disease, Hearing Loss, Cognitive Impairment
- What is being tested?
- Hearing Intervention and Health Education Intervention
- Type of treatment
- Medical device, Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 150 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 1 Aug 2024to 31 Dec 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 55 to 75 years
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Age 55-75 years of age
- Adult-onset hearing loss of approximately mild to moderate in severity (4-frequency 0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz pure tone average 20 dB to 55 dB HL in better hearing ear)
- Aidable hearing loss, defined by word recognition score in quiet ≥ 60% in better hearing ear
- Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) defined by Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE2) score >23, Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) global score equivalent = 0.5, and ADNI3 criteria of Logical Memory II score of ≤6 if 0-7 years of education, ≤9 if 8-15 years, and ≤11 if ≥16 years
- Availability of a study partner (informant) for the administration of the cognitive screen and the ADCS-Activities of Daily Living-Prevention Instrument (ADCS-ADL-PI)
- Community-dwelling
- Fluent in English or Spanish
- Availability of participant in area for study duration
Who cannot join
- Self-reported congenital hearing loss, known genetic mutation-related hearing loss, or hearing loss onset before middle age (<45 years old)
- Prior dementia diagnosis
- Reported disability in ≥ 2 activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Current or previous consistent hearing aid user (such as utilization of hearing aids within the past 6 months beyond brief trials)
- Unwillingness to wear hearing aids regularly (≥8 hours/day)
- Medical contraindications to the use of hearing aids (e.g., actively draining ear)
- Corrected vision impairment (worse than 20/63 on MNRead Acuity Chart in worse eye)
- Untreatable conductive hearing loss with air-bone gap > 15 dB in two or more contiguous octave frequencies in both ears
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Columbia University Medical Center
New York, New York, 10032
Larry Tapia, 646-317-3252, earhli@cumc.columbia.edu
Justin S Golub, MD
About this study
Official title: Early Age-Related Hearing Loss Investigation (EARHLI): A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Mechanisms Linking Early Age-Related Hearing Loss and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
Early Age-Related Hearing Loss Investigation (EARHLI) is a single site study that will randomize late middle age adults to either a hearing intervention (including hearing aids) or a health education intervention. Participants will be followed for 1 year. This study will provide information on reducing cognitive decline in those at risk for Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD).
Read the detailed description
EARHLI will be a phase II 1:1 randomized controlled trial of a hearing intervention (including prescription hearing aids) versus a health education program. Participants must be 55-75 years old and have early-stage age-related hearing loss and amnestic mild cognitive impairment. The trial will last 1 year and occur at a single site (Columbia University Irving Medical Center). Outcome measurements will include cognition, social engagement, and change in brain organization/connectivity. Assessments will occur at study start, 6 months, and 12 months. A total of 150 participants will be enrolled (75 per intervention group). Participants will also have a hearing test and a blood test. Approximately half of participants will have two MRI scans. As part of participating, all participants will get prescription hearing aids, either at study start or end.
- Conditions
- Alzheimer Disease, Hearing Loss, Cognitive Impairment
- Being tested
- Hearing Intervention, Health Education Intervention
- Keywords
- Hearing Loss, Alzheimer's, Alzheimer, Hearing Aid, Memory Loss, Memory, Audiogram, Cognition
- Medical subject headings
- Alzheimer Disease, Hearing Loss, Cognitive Dysfunction, Memory Disorders
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Hearing InterventionDevice
The hearing intervention includes an auditory needs assessment, hearing aid fitting, establishing Bluetooth connectivity from hearing aids to devices such as smartphones and computers, systematic orientation and instruction in device use, and provision and discussion of hearing "toolkit" materials for self-management and communication strategies. The hearing intervention is person-centered, focusing on identification of individual needs, setting of specific goals, engagement in shared-informed decision-making, and development of self-management abilities. Intervention-centric outcomes (e.g., hearing aid data logging, real ear measures) to verify the best-practices intervention will be gathered at all 5 intervention sessions as well as weeks 16 and 52. Additional visits to troubleshoot hearing aids or address concerns will be scheduled as needed.
Health Education InterventionBehavioural
The evidence-based interactive health education program is designed for older adults and addresses chronic disease and disability prevention. Session content will be individualized for each participant based on a "key," depending on his/her goals/interests. The curriculum includes didactics, activities, and goal setting led by staff trained/certified to deliver the intervention.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing Intervention | Other | Participants will receive 4 sessions across 8 weeks with a later booster session and hearing aid fitting. Each session will take ~75 minutes. Receives: Device: Hearing Intervention |
| Health Education Intervention | Other | Participants will receive a modified health education program on healthy aging. It will match the number and length of sessions as the hearing intervention, including compliance/phone checks. Participants will be on a waitlist to obtain hearing aids without fee at the end of their 12-month participation. Receives: Behavioral: Health Education Intervention |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FC-SRT) Score
This is the Cognitive Performance Test # 1 ADCS-PACC 1: Evaluates Episodic Memory. Scoring from 0 - 48 and a higher score translates into a preserved function of the episodic memory.
Measured: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
Delayed Recall Log Memory IIa, (DRLM) Score
This is the Cognitive Performance Test # 2 ADCS-PACC 2: Evaluates Episodic Memory. Scoring from 0 - 25 and a higher score translates into a preserved function of the episodic memory.
Measured: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
Digit Symbol Substitution Test, (DSST) Score
This it the Cognitive Performance test # 3 ADCS-PACC 3: Evaluates speed of processing. Scoring from 0 - 91 and a higher score relates to better performance and speed of processing.
Measured: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
Mini-Mental State Examination 2, (MMSE-2) Score
This is the Cognitive Performance test # 4 ADCS-PACC 4: Evaluates Global Cognition. Scoring from 0 - 30 and a higher score relates to preserved Global Cognition.
Measured: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
Trail Making Test Part B, (TMTB) Score
This is the Cognitive Performance test # 5 Evaluates Episodic Memory. Scored in terms of the time, in seconds, required to complete the trail. 300 seconds = maximum amount of time. The less seconds it takes to complete the trail, the better performance/ episodic memory.
Measured: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
Activities of Daily Living for Mild Cognitive Impairment, (ADCS-ADLPI) Score
This is the Cognitive Performance test # 6: Evaluates the ability of patients to perform Activities of Daily Living. Section a. Scored from 0 - 45: Items 1 to 15. Higher score for each activity equals better performance. Section b. Scored from 0 - 5. Item 16 to 20. Higher score equals better performance
Measured: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
Social Activity Frequency
This is the Social Engagement and Related Socialization test # 1: Evaluates frequency of social activity participation. Participants are asked on a 5-point scale how often during the past 6 months they engaged in 6 common activities involving socialization. A composite score is created
Measured: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities (APSR) Score
This is the Social Engagement and Related Socialization test # 2: Evaluates Social Activity Participation. Scored from 8 - 40 a higher score translates into higher levels of social participation.
Measured: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
Community Integration Measure (CIM) Score
This is the Social Engagement and Related Socialization test # 3: Evaluates Community Integration/Participation. Scored from 10 - 50. Higher scores indicate higher levels of community integration and participation.
Measured: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
Cohens Social Network Index (SNI) Score
This is the Social Engagement and Related Socialization test # 4: Evaluates Social Relationships. Scored from 1 - 12. Higher score indicates a larger number of social roles in which the respondent has regular contact.
Measured: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
University of California Loneliness Scale (ULS) Score
This is the Social Engagement and Related Socialization test # 5: Evaluates Individuals perception of loneliness. The total score ranges from 20 - 80. Higher scores indicate higher loneliness.
Measured: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
Brain MRI Measures
Approximately 50% of all participants (random selection) will have a functional brain MRI.
Measured: Week 0, Week 52
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted18 Dec 2023
- Study start1 Aug 2024
- Primary completion31 Dec 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Alzheimer DiseaseStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- More trials run by Columbia UniversityThe sponsor's other registered studies.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind
- Who is masked
- Investigator, Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 150 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Columbia University
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Johns Hopkins University, National Institute on Aging (NIA), University of South Florida, University of Pittsburgh, University of Washington
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Justin S. Golub, Columbia University
- Investigators
- Justin S Golub, MD, Principal investigator, Columbia University
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06174038
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- AAAU1896
- Other IDs
- R01AG075083
- Acronym
- EARHLI
- Status last verified
- Aug 2026
- First submitted
- 8 Dec 2023
- Last updated
- 12 Aug 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- Yes
- Individual data sharing
- Undecided
Publications
Denham MW, Arnold ML, Sanchez VA, Lin FR, Tucker LH, Gomez MC, Fernandez K, Arpi P, Neil H, Boyle S, Selevan S, Sussman TJ, Gmelin T, Fine I, Glynn NW, Teresi J, Noble JM, Goldberg T, Luchsinger JA, Golub JS. Design and Methods of the Early Age-Related Hearing Loss Investigation Randomized Controlled Trial. Otol Neurotol. 2024 Jun 1;45(5):594-601. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004093.
PubMed 38728564
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 12 Aug 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Early Age-Related Hearing Loss Investigation (EARHLI): A Randomized Controlled Trial to Assess the Mechanisms Linking Early Age-Related Hearing Loss and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT06174038
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- EARHLI / AAAU1896
- Conditions
- Alzheimer Disease, Hearing Loss, Cognitive Impairment
- Keywords
- Hearing Loss, Alzheimer's, Alzheimer, Hearing Aid, Memory Loss, Memory, Audiogram, Cognition
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 150 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Columbia UniversityUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Johns Hopkins University, National Institute on Aging (NIA), University of South Florida, University of Pittsburgh, University of Washington
- Study start
- 1 Aug 2024 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 18 Dec 2023 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Early Age-Related Hearing Loss Investigation (EARHLI) is a single site study that will randomize late middle age adults to either a hearing intervention (including hearing aids) or a health education intervention. Participants will be followed for 1 year. This study will provide information on reducing cognitive decline in those at risk for Alzheimer's Disease and Alzheimer's Disease Related Dementias (AD/ADRD).
Detailed description
EARHLI will be a phase II 1:1 randomized controlled trial of a hearing intervention (including prescription hearing aids) versus a health education program. Participants must be 55-75 years old and have early-stage age-related hearing loss and amnestic mild cognitive impairment. The trial will last 1 year and occur at a single site (Columbia University Irving Medical Center). Outcome measurements will include cognition, social engagement, and change in brain organization/connectivity. Assessments will occur at study start, 6 months, and 12 months. A total of 150 participants will be enrolled (75 per intervention group). Participants will also have a hearing test and a blood test. Approximately half of participants will have two MRI scans. As part of participating, all participants will get prescription hearing aids, either at study start or end.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Double blind (investigator, outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing Intervention | Other | Device: Hearing InterventionParticipants will receive 4 sessions across 8 weeks with a later booster session and hearing aid fitting. Each session will take ~75 minutes. |
| Health Education Intervention | Other | Behavioral: Health Education InterventionParticipants will receive a modified health education program on healthy aging. It will match the number and length of sessions as the hearing intervention, including compliance/phone checks. Participants will be on a waitlist to obtain hearing aids without fee at the end of their 12-month participation. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 55 to 75 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Age 55-75 years of age
- Adult-onset hearing loss of approximately mild to moderate in severity (4-frequency 0.5, 1, 2, 4 kHz pure tone average 20 dB to 55 dB HL in better hearing ear)
- Aidable hearing loss, defined by word recognition score in quiet ≥ 60% in better hearing ear
- Amnestic mild cognitive impairment (MCI) defined by Mini-Mental State Exam (MMSE2) score >23, Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) global score equivalent = 0.5, and ADNI3 criteria of Logical Memory II score of ≤6 if 0-7 years of education, ≤9 if 8-15 years, and ≤11 if ≥16 years
- Availability of a study partner (informant) for the administration of the cognitive screen and the ADCS-Activities of Daily Living-Prevention Instrument (ADCS-ADL-PI)
Key exclusion criteria (8 listed)
- Self-reported congenital hearing loss, known genetic mutation-related hearing loss, or hearing loss onset before middle age (<45 years old)
- Prior dementia diagnosis
- Reported disability in ≥ 2 activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Current or previous consistent hearing aid user (such as utilization of hearing aids within the past 6 months beyond brief trials)
- Unwillingness to wear hearing aids regularly (≥8 hours/day)
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing InterventionThe hearing intervention includes an auditory needs assessment, hearing aid fitting, establishing Bluetooth connectivity from hearing aids to devices such as smartphones and computers, systematic orientation and instruction in device use, and provision and discussion of hearing "toolkit" materials for self-management and communication strategies. The hearing intervention is person-centered, focusing on identification of individual needs, setting of specific goals, engagement in shared-informed decision-making, and development of self-management abilities. Intervention-centric outcomes (e.g., hearing aid data logging, real ear measures) to verify the best-practices intervention will be gathered at all 5 intervention sessions as well as weeks 16 and 52. Additional visits to troubleshoot hearing aids or address concerns will be scheduled as needed. | Device | Hearing Intervention |
| Health Education InterventionThe evidence-based interactive health education program is designed for older adults and addresses chronic disease and disability prevention. Session content will be individualized for each participant based on a "key," depending on his/her goals/interests. The curriculum includes didactics, activities, and goal setting led by staff trained/certified to deliver the intervention. | Behavioural | Health Education Intervention |
Primary outcome
Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FC-SRT) Score
Time frame: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
This is the Cognitive Performance Test # 1 ADCS-PACC 1: Evaluates Episodic Memory. Scoring from 0 - 48 and a higher score translates into a preserved function of the episodic memory.
Delayed Recall Log Memory IIa, (DRLM) Score
Time frame: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
This is the Cognitive Performance Test # 2 ADCS-PACC 2: Evaluates Episodic Memory. Scoring from 0 - 25 and a higher score translates into a preserved function of the episodic memory.
Digit Symbol Substitution Test, (DSST) Score
Time frame: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
This it the Cognitive Performance test # 3 ADCS-PACC 3: Evaluates speed of processing. Scoring from 0 - 91 and a higher score relates to better performance and speed of processing.
Mini-Mental State Examination 2, (MMSE-2) Score
Time frame: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
This is the Cognitive Performance test # 4 ADCS-PACC 4: Evaluates Global Cognition. Scoring from 0 - 30 and a higher score relates to preserved Global Cognition.
Trail Making Test Part B, (TMTB) Score
Time frame: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
This is the Cognitive Performance test # 5 Evaluates Episodic Memory. Scored in terms of the time, in seconds, required to complete the trail. 300 seconds = maximum amount of time. The less seconds it takes to complete the trail, the better performance/ episodic memory.
Activities of Daily Living for Mild Cognitive Impairment, (ADCS-ADLPI) Score
Time frame: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
This is the Cognitive Performance test # 6: Evaluates the ability of patients to perform Activities of Daily Living. Section a. Scored from 0 - 45: Items 1 to 15. Higher score for each activity equals better performance. Section b. Scored from 0 - 5. Item 16 to 20. Higher score equals better performance
Social Activity Frequency
Time frame: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
This is the Social Engagement and Related Socialization test # 1: Evaluates frequency of social activity participation. Participants are asked on a 5-point scale how often during the past 6 months they engaged in 6 common activities involving socialization. A composite score is created
Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities (APSR) Score
Time frame: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
This is the Social Engagement and Related Socialization test # 2: Evaluates Social Activity Participation. Scored from 8 - 40 a higher score translates into higher levels of social participation.
Community Integration Measure (CIM) Score
Time frame: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
This is the Social Engagement and Related Socialization test # 3: Evaluates Community Integration/Participation. Scored from 10 - 50. Higher scores indicate higher levels of community integration and participation.
Cohens Social Network Index (SNI) Score
Time frame: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
This is the Social Engagement and Related Socialization test # 4: Evaluates Social Relationships. Scored from 1 - 12. Higher score indicates a larger number of social roles in which the respondent has regular contact.
University of California Loneliness Scale (ULS) Score
Time frame: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52
This is the Social Engagement and Related Socialization test # 5: Evaluates Individuals perception of loneliness. The total score ranges from 20 - 80. Higher scores indicate higher loneliness.
Brain MRI Measures
Time frame: Week 0, Week 52
Approximately 50% of all participants (random selection) will have a functional brain MRI.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 12 Aug 2026.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 38728564Denham MW, Arnold ML, Sanchez VA, Lin FR, Tucker LH, Gomez MC, Fernandez K, Arpi P, Neil H, Boyle S, Selevan S, Sussman TJ, Gmelin T, Fine I, Glynn NW, Teresi J, Noble JM, Goldberg T, Luchsinger JA, Golub JS. Design and Methods of the Early Age-Related Hearing Loss Investigation Randomized Controlled Trial. Otol Neurotol. 2024 Jun 1;45(5):594-601. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004093.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Undecided
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Justin S Golub, MD principal investigator
Columbia University
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Hearing Intervention and Health Education Intervention in people with Alzheimer Disease and Hearing Loss, run by Columbia University at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 8 inclusion and 8 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 12 Aug 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Larry Tapia (646-317-3252, earhli@cumc.columbia.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Free and Cued Selective Reminding Test (FC-SRT) Score (time frame: Week 0, Week 28, Week 52). The study lists 12 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT06174038, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 12 Aug 2026.