Background By 2050, approximately 2.5 billion people are expected to experience some degree of age-related hearing loss (ARHL). Greater ARHL is associated with decreased communication, reduced physical activity and social engagement, increased depressive symptoms, cognitive decline and a higher risk of dementia. While previous studies highlight the benefits of combing hearing training and physical activity for older adults with ARHL, existing interventions are very limited. Additionally, the development of previous interventions often lacks end-user involvement, resulting in low adherence. Objectives This study aims to co-design a hearing-physical activity dual-task training app with older adults with ARHL, the potential end-users; to assess the feasibility and acceptability of the app using based on the theoretical framework of acceptability; and to examine its preliminary effects on improving physical activity, communication, loneliness, depressive symptoms and cognitive functions for older adults with age-related hearing loss. Hypothesis to be tested The app is feasible and acceptable to participants. Upon completing the 10-week intervention, the intervention group will report significantly greater improvements in physical activity, communication, loneliness, depressive symptoms and cognitive functions than the control group. These findings will support subsequent investigations in a larger-scale randomized controlled trial. Research Design and Methods This study consists of three phases. Phase 1: co-develop a prototype app that combines hearing and physical activity dual-task trainings, incorporating a music therapy component for older adults with ARHL. Co-design workshops will be conducted following the community-based participatory research methodology, where participants will engage in plenary and breakout sessions. Phase 2: conduct a two-arm, single-blinded, pilot randomized controlled trial. Phase 3: conduct individual semi-structured interviews immediately after the intervention. Four process evaluation outcomes will be observed, namely feasibility, fidelity, and acceptability, along with implementation barriers and facilitators. Participants will include Chinese adults aged 60 years or older, with mild-to-moderate HL with a pure-tone average of 20-50 dB across octave frequencies 0.5 to 4kHz in both ears. Main outcome measures Physical activity levels. Data analysis Descriptive statistics, an independent sample t-test or chi square test, generalized estimating equation and thematic analysis will be used. Expected results A hearing-physical activity dual-task training app prototype, available in both Cantonese and Mandarin, will be co-designed, tested and refined to a final version. Participants could benefit from incorporating tailored intervention for physical activity with auditory rehabilitation.
Age range
60 Years – 90 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
Physical activity
Timeframe: 7 days