Actively Recruiting
Targeted Auditory Plasticity Training to Improve Central Hearing in Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI)
Led by The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio · Updated on 2025-11-21
80
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
26 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
T
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
Lead Sponsor
U
United States Department of Defense
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are studying whether special sound training exercises can help adults aged 18 to 55 who have had mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) improve their hearing. These injuries may cause difficulties in hearing clearly, especially in noisy environments or in locating sounds. The study aims to see if training methods that helped healthy people can also benefit those with mTBI and hearing problems, which may improve treatment options for affected individuals, including soldiers and veterans. The study includes two types of training: Speech in Noise (SPiN) training and Spatial Hearing training. Participants will be randomly assigned to groups receiving either the training or control activities. For SPiN training, participants use a tablet and earphones at home for up to two 10-minute sessions daily over eight days. The Spatial Hearing training uses a 360-degree speaker setup where participants identify sound locations, with feedback provided to the training group. Control group participants may be offered training after the study. During the study, participants undergo tests to measure changes in hearing ability, sound localization, and brain responses to sounds from baseline through about one month after training. Assessments include hearing in noise scores, sound localization accuracy, and brain activity measures. The study monitors progress closely and aims to understand how these training methods affect hearing challenges after mild brain injury.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Auditory Plasticity Training
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18-55 years
- English is the primary language
- History of mild traumatic brain injury by self report
You will not qualify if you...
- Pure tone threshold (mean of 0.5-4.0 kHz) greater than 40 dB HL
- Major neurological or psychiatric conditions besides mild traumatic brain injury
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 8 days
Participants complete auditory training at home or in controlled settings. Speech in Noise training involves up to two 10-minute sessions daily over 8 days, totaling 15 sessions. Spatial Hearing training includes sound localization tasks with feedback given to the training group.
Multiple training sessions at home and in-lab assessments depending on group assignment
Duration - Approximately 1 month and up to 10 days
Participants return for assessment of hearing improvements and auditory processing changes after training completion.
1 to 2 follow-up visits (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
San Antonio, Texas, United States, 78229
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
R
Rocio Norman, PhD
A
Alicia Swan, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
4
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