Evaluating hearing aid acclimatisation in older adults through wearable EEG

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Hearing loss affects over 70% of older adults aged 70+ and is often regarded as an unavoidable part of healthy ageing. Recognised as the largest potentially modifiable risk factor for cognitive decline and dementia, it is crucial that individuals seek hearing interventions to modify the risk of hearing loss to brain health. Adult hearing loss is estimated to cost the UK economy £30 billion per annum, and hidden costs include decreases in communication efficiency leading to increased frustration and effort, which in turn impacts social interaction, loneliness, and mental health. The main clinical intervention for age-related hearing loss is a hearing aid. However, evaluation of hearing aids is dependent on subjective responses, which are sensitive to factors such as cognitive status, language background, and educational attainment, representing significant health inequality. We require novel, objective, technological solutions to establish how the brain is responding to sound after receiving a hearing aid. In this project, we will work on developing ways of measuring auditory brain activity to investigate hearing aid acclimatisation in older adults. Specifically, we will use cEEGrid flex-printed sensor arrays to collect data, which enable unobtrusive multi-channel EEG acquisition from around the ear. These arrays are portable and can be worn during activities of daily living. Using cEEGrid technology, we will acquire data during everyday, real-life auditory experiences, to provide objective insight into auditory function. This will provide ecologically valid data on how older adults' brains are adapting to hearing aids over time, to improve evaluation of hearing aid acclimatisation.