Dual-Task Cost in Bilateral Hearing Loss

Summary

The specific aims of the research study are:

1. Compare single-task gait parameters between individuals with hearing loss (HL) and age and education matched controls with normal hearing \[normal vs moderate-profound hearing loss (N=23 for each group)\]. For that we will compare the primary outcome measure, gait speed, between the groups while participants are walking at a comfortable speed for 1 minute.
2. Compare cognitive function between individuals with HL and age and education matched controls. For that we will compare the Neurocognitive Index, derived from a cognitive assessment between groups.
3. Compare the effect of a cognitive task while walking on gait parameters between people with HL and age education matched controls with normal hearing. For that we will compare the primary outcome measure, gait speed, between groups while participants are walking at a comfortable speed and counting backwards \[serial subtraction of 3\] for 1 minute.
4. Explore whether cognitive performance (i.e., the Neurocognitive Index) is correlated with Dual task cost (DTC), a deterioration of gait speed while walking and performing concurrent cognitive task \[serial subtraction of 3\]. The formula to calculate this is the following: DTC = 100 X \[(DT - single task)/ single task\].

Conditions

• Bilateral Hearing Loss
• Healthy Aging

Interventions

OTHER

Gait assessment

The average speed of gait and spatiotemporal gait parameters would be calculated by the APDM, inertial motion units. Participants will walk in their normal speed for 1 minute along a corridor, back and forth, with or without performing a cognitive task (single or DT). The DT condition will include serial subtraction (counting backwards out loud) in jumps of 3 from a random three-digit number. Randomization of numbers will be done using the excel function generating random numbers (Excel RAND function). The numbers will be recorded for offline processing and the outcome will be the number of correct numbers. Each condition will be performed once, and all conditions will be randomized.

OTHER

Cognitive assessment

Participants will complete a computerized cognitive battery (CNS vital sign; CNSVS)that will include verbal memory, visual memory, Stroop test, shifting attention and 4-part continuous performance (sustained attention and working memory). Moreover, performance on the single cognitive task (serial subtraction in jumps of 3; measuring working memory and executive function) will also be evaluated while sitting (cognitive single task). The numbers will be recorded for offline processing and the outcome will be the number of correct numbers. These tests do not require the ability to hear in order to pass successfully. Also, there is a need for investigation of cognitive domains such as attention, memory, executive function, and cognitive flexibility in people with HL.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

  collaborator OTHER

• New York University

  lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

• Anat V Lubetzky, PhD · New York University

Eligibility

Min Age

40 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

Yes

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2022-02-01

Primary Completion

2023-09-30

Completion

2024-11-22

Countries

• United States

Study Locations