Research Center: Columbia University
Location: 180 Fort Washington Ave, New York, NY 10032, USA
Lead Researcher: Justin S. Golub, MD, MS
IRB: This research study has been reviewed and approved by the Columbia University and WCG Institutional Review Boards

How can hearing and health education influence healthy aging? Columbia University’s EARHLI research study aims to find out. The EARHLI research study explores ways to improve aging through a hearing or health education program. It seeks to understand how treating hearing loss or providing health education can promote healthier aging.

This research study could offer valuable insights for older adults with some hearing loss and slight memory troubles. The results of this research study could provide benefits not only to the participants but also to society at large. They may also guide people on how to age better and more healthily, promoting a more vibrant and engaged later life.

Join this research study and contribute to research that may help older adults stay active and healthy. If you’re interested, read on to learn more!

• Participants will receive hearing aids to the value of US$ 7,000 at no cost.
• Participants may learn important skills for healthy aging and hearing.
• Participants will be compensated for visits and have transportation arranged for study visits.
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit older adults with hearing or memory struggles in the future.
• Participants will be helping to advance medical research.

• If you decide to participate in the research study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the research study.

• Men and women aged 55 – 75 years old who have trouble hearing (even if it’s very slight or noticeable only to others)
• Must not currently be using hearing aids
• Must be able and willing to wear hearing aids regularly for the duration of the research study
• Must have minor memory troubles (even if it’s very slight or noticeable only to others), but not dementia
• Must be able to speak English or Spanish
• Must live independently in your own home or with family, rather than in a nursing home or assisted living facility
• Must have a study partner who can be available by telephone
• Must live in the New York City metro area
• Must be able to attend 6 study visits at the research site over approximately 1 year

The study team will fully explain the research but some details are:

• Participants will be asked to have a medical review to make sure they meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria.
• Participants will be asked to have their cognitive abilities assessed through a telephone or in-person interview with their study partner.
• Participants will be asked to complete a hearing test.
• Participants will have one blood draw.

Columbia University
Columbia University is one of the world’s most important centers of research and at the same time a distinctive and distinguished learning environment for undergraduates and graduate students in many scholarly and professional fields. The University recognizes the importance of its location in New York City and seeks to link its research and teaching to the vast resources of a great metropolis. It seeks to attract a diverse and international faculty, staff, and student body, to support research and teaching on global issues, and to create academic relationships with many countries and regions. It expects all areas of the University to advance knowledge and learning at the highest level and to convey the products of its efforts to the world.

Please note:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers would like to assure the participants that ensuring their and the research study staff’s safety is of utmost importance.