RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF RHYTHMIC AND NON-RHYTHMIC MUSICAL PRIMING ON THE SYNTAX CAPACITY OF PRESBYACOUSTIC OLDER ADULTS

This study is investigating whether listening to music can help older adults with age-related hearing loss improve their ability to understand and use sentences correctly. Many older people experience hearing loss, and while hearing aids can help with hearing sounds, we want to see if music can also boost their language skills. Researchers believe that musical patterns might act like a 'brain warm-up' to make understanding sentences easier, similar to how it has helped children and adults with normal hearing. Participants will undergo hearing checks and listen to different types of music before completing language tests to see if there's a positive effect. It's hoped this research could open new avenues for supporting communication in later life.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Dijon

Enrolment target

Start

02 Aug 2025

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2027

Presbyacousie

What is this study about?

Age-related hearing loss, sometimes called presbyacusis, is very common as people get older. This can make it harder to hear and understand sounds, especially speech. While hearing aids are a popular way to help with hearing, this study wants to explore if something else – music – could also play a part in improving how people understand language.

We know that music has powerful effects on our brains, and it's been shown in other groups of people that music can help with language skills. This study specifically focuses on how listening to music might help older adults with age-related hearing loss improve their 'syntax capacity'. This basically means how well they can understand and build sentences correctly. For example, understanding the difference between "The dog bit the man" and "The man bit the dog."

The researchers have a theory that listening to music with a clear rhythm might act like a little practice session for the brain, making it easier to process sentence structures. By looking at whether specific types of music can improve these language abilities, the study hopes to find new ways to support communication and improve the daily lives of older people with hearing loss.

Key takeaways

The study explores if music can improve language understanding in older adults with hearing loss.
It focuses on understanding sentences (syntax) rather than just hearing sounds.
You won't need to take any medication or learn music.
Participation involves listening to music and completing language tests.
Findings could help develop new ways to support communication in older age.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you must be a man or a woman aged 70 or over and have been diagnosed with age-related hearing loss. This includes people who use hearing aids, as long as their hearing aids work well enough to give them good speech understanding in quiet environments.

You should also be able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part. Your memory and thinking skills will be briefly checked to make sure you can follow the study instructions.

However, you cannot take part if you have certain existing health conditions, such as brain disorders from a stroke, dementia, or severe hearing loss where even hearing aids don't help much with understanding speech. Also, if your hearing loss is only bad in one ear due to another medical issue, or if you already have problems understanding or producing sentences, this study might not be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 70 years old or older?
Do you have age-related hearing loss?
If you use hearing aids, do they allow you to understand speech well in quiet?
Can you understand and agree to take part in the study?
Do you have any conditions like dementia or severe past strokes?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part in this study would involve a few steps. First, you would have a hearing test (called an audiogram) to check your hearing levels. You would also complete a short memory and thinking test. Next, you would listen to different types of music (this is called 'musical priming'). After listening to the music, you would then complete some language tests to see how well you understand sentences. You'd also fill out a questionnaire about your experience with music.

The study involves completing these assessments and musical listening sessions, but it does not involve taking any medication. All the tests are designed to be straightforward. The total duration of your participation would be explained to you in detail by the study team, but generally, it involves a few sessions rather than a long-term commitment.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no known serious medical risks involved in this study, as it primarily involves listening to music and completing language tests. You might find some of the tasks challenging or tiring. A potential benefit is contributing to our understanding of how music can help older adults with hearing loss, which could lead to better support in the future. You are completely free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and it will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Chu Dijon Bourgogne
Verified postcode
Dijon, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'age-related hearing loss'?

It's a common type of hearing loss that gradually happens as people get older, making it harder to hear sounds, especially speech.

Will I have to learn to play an instrument?

No, you won't need to play any instruments. This study only involves listening to music.

What does 'syntax capacity' mean?

It's your ability to understand how words are put together to form meaningful sentences.

Will the study help my hearing immediately?

This is a research study to understand how music affects language. We can't promise immediate personal benefits, but your participation helps future discoveries.

How long will my visit to the study site take?

The study team will give you a clear schedule, but typically each session involves a few assessments and listening periods.

How to find out more

Alexis BOZORG-GRAYELI

alexis.bozorggrayeli@chu-dijon.fr 03 80 29 37 58 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.