Can aspirin prevent age-related hearing loss?
Hearing loss associated with ageing is experienced by two-thirds of people over the age of 70 years. Loss of hearing can have a profound effect on a person’s independence and quality of life. There is no known single cause and no known cure.
The ASPREE-Hearing (Aspirin in HEAring Retinal vessels, Inflammatory markers, Neurocognition in older age Groups) study will investigate whether aspirin prevents age-related hearing loss by reducing inflammation in the inner ear or affecting blood flow. ASPREE-Hearing will also study the effect of aspirin on the relationship between hearing loss and changes in thinking and memory.
If aspirin proves to be beneficial, it may offer a new way to reduce age-related hearing loss in future generations.
What does participation involve?
ASPREE-Hearing participants undertake tests of hearing over time, 2 short questionnaires about hearing, retinal photographs (specialised photography of the back of the eye), and thinking and memory exercises (mostly undertaken as part of the main ASPREE study). All tests are free of charge and significant changes in hearing will be referred back to your GP for follow-up.
Results will be collated in 2018 to determine whether daily low dose aspirin helps prevent or reduce age-related hearing loss. Enrolment into ASPREE-Hearing has now closed.
Where are the hearing tests conducted?
Hearing tests can be undertaken in metropolitan and regional areas in our RetCam Vans. Many Melbourne-based participants elect to visit the Monash Biomedical Imaging Centre in Clayton for their hearing test.
How to find out more about ASPREE-Hearing study:
- Download the ASPREE-Hearing Brochure
- Ring 1800 728 745 (toll free from a landline)
Collaborators:
- Monash University
- National Acoustic Laboratories, Macquarie University
- University of Melbourne
- Johns Hopkins School of Public Health
- University of Tasmania
- Centre for Eye Research Australia Ltd
- Monash Biomedical Imaging Centre
- GP Co-investigators
Funding:
- Monash University
- Deafness Foundation