Grant: CIHR Fellowship

As Canada's population ages rapidly, it is becoming increasingly important to address the challenges of aging. Hearing loss has become a major concern, as it is now the third most common chronic condition. It often prevents speech comprehension, particularly in noisy environments, which can have a negative impact on social interaction. While hearing aids can be effective in improving overall hearing, they are often insufficient in noisy environments. Additional strategies are needed to maximize the benefits of hearing aids. We propose a combined approach that includes choral singing, an accessible activity that has been shown to improve cognitive function and social well-being. Choral singing engages auditory and speech functions in a way that may enhance the benefits of hearing aids. Our research involves two projects. The first will investigate how hearing loss affects the brain's ability to process speech and the extent to which hearing aids can restore this function. We will record brain activity in three groups: older adults with normal hearing, those with hearing loss, and those using hearing aids, as they listen to speech in a noisy environment. We expect hearing aids to improve speech processing, but not to restore it completely. In the second project, the effects of the combination of hearing aids and a 14-week choral singing program will be investigated. Brain activity will be measured before and after the program, and the results will be compared with those of two other groups: a group receiving arts training and a group not receiving a structured program. We expect the group combining hearing aids and choral singing to show the greatest improvement in speech processing. Our research aims to improve the understanding of the effectiveness of hearing aids and find ways to maximize their benefits. By integrating choral singing, we aim to offer a new approach that could significantly improve speech understanding and overall quality of life for older adults.