NCT06840015 · The University of Texas at Dallas
Use of Airpod Pros as Assistive Technology
What this study is about
The goal of this study is to investigate the suitability and effectiveness of the AirPod Pro 2nd and 3rd generation (AP) as hearing assistive technology for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss when listening in noisy environments.
View original scientific description
The goal of this study is to investigate the suitability and effectiveness of the AirPod Pro 2nd and 3rd generation (AP) as hearing assistive technology for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss when listening in noisy environments. Researchers will compare four types of assistive technology: hearing aids (HAs), AP, dedicated wireless remote microphones, and Smartphone wireless remote microphone. The main questions it aims to answer are: * Which assistive technology provides the greatest benefit for speech recognition in noisy environments? * How do these devices impact listening effort, as measured by reaction time in a dual-task activity and changes in pupil size? * What are participants' preferences for each device based on how easy it is to understand speech and their overall satisfaction? Participants will visit the lab for a single 3-hour session. They will listen to sentences using each device and repeat what they hear. During this task, their reaction times for the secondary task and changes in pupil size will be measured.
Interventions
DEVICE
Airpod Pro as hearing assistive technology
All participants will use and evaluate four types of assistive technology: hearing aids, Airpod pro 2nd and 3rd generation, dedicated wireless remote microphones, and Smartphone wireless remote microphone.
Primary outcome measures
Speech recognition threshold at 70.7%
Time frame: The measurement will be conducted immediately following the intervention within the 2-hour single session.
Speech recognition threshold (SRT) at 70.7% is the noise level at which a person can correctly repeat 70.7% of sentences. Determine the appropriate dB SNR to measure sentence recognition with assistive technologies. It is measured in decibels (dB). Lower values indicate better performance.
Reponse time of secondary working memory task
Time frame: The measurement will be conducted immediately following the intervention within the 2-hour single session.
It refers to the amount of time it takes for a participant to react to and complete the secondary working memory task, performed alongside the primary task (speech recognition). This measurement reflects the participant's cognitive processing speed and listening effort. It is measured in seconds (s). Faster values indicate better performance.
Pupil diameter
Time frame: The measurement will be conducted immediately following the intervention within the 2-hour single session.
Pupil diameter reflects the motivation to exert effort through physiological mechanisms that maintain homeostasis, making it a reliable indicator of listening effort. It is measured in millimeters (mm). Larger pupil diameters typically indicates greater exerted effort.
Questionnaire
Time frame: The measurement will be conducted immediately following the intervention within the 2-hour single session.
Participants are asked to rate how easy it was to understand the speaker with each device. This scale ranges from "Very easy", "Easy", "Ok", "Hard", to "Very hard". They are also asked to select their most preferred device.
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- Adults aged 18 to 60 years.
- Fluent English speakers.
- Mild-to-moderate hearing loss confirmed by a pure-tone hearing test (average hearing threshold screening 25 to 55 dB HL across octave frequencies from 250 to 8000 Hz).
- Individuals with no prior hearing aid experience for a year.
Exclusion criteria
- Normal hearing.
- Hearing loss worse than moderate.
- Neurological, psychiatric, or ophthalmological conditions that might alter the pupil response.
- Non-fluent English speakers.
- Individuals with prior hearing aid experience more than a year.
Where
- Richardson, Texas
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Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 10, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations