Hypertension Research Study
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are conducting a study in adults to better understand how hypertension (high blood pressure) may affect hearing and inner ear function.
Fast Facts
Identify as Black/African American
Have high blood pressure
Compensation
Provided
Conducted in
Boulder or Aurora, CO
Study Background
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are conducting a study on how high blood pressure may affect hearing.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health condition that may affect many parts of the body, including the inner ear. Researchers believe that changes in blood flow and other health factors may influence how well people hear, but scientists do not yet fully understand this relationship. In this study, we aim to learn more about how hypertension may affect inner ear function by examining hearing and cochlear health in adults with and without high blood pressure.
Eventually, the findings from this study may help researchers better understand how cardiovascular health is related to hearing and may contribute to improved screening, prevention, and treatment of hearing loss.
Study Background
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder are conducting a study on how high blood pressure may affect hearing.
High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a common health condition that may affect many parts of the body, including the inner ear. Researchers believe that changes in blood flow and other health factors may influence how well people hear, but scientists do not yet fully understand this relationship. In this study, we aim to learn more about how hypertension may affect inner ear function by examining hearing and cochlear health in adults with and without high blood pressure.
Eventually, the findings from this study may help researchers better understand how cardiovascular health is related to hearing and may contribute to improved screening, prevention, and treatment of hearing loss.
Additional Information
In this research study, we are trying to better understand how high blood pressure may affect the inner ear and hearing. We aim to learn more about how changes in blood flow and cardiovascular health may influence cochlear function and overall hearing ability. To do this, we will measure hearing and inner ear function in adults with and without hypertension using a series of non-invasive hearing assessments and health measures. Our goal is to better understand the relationship between blood pressure and hearing so that researchers can improve future screening, prevention, and treatment strategies.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 18–85 years
- Have high blood pressure (systolic BP >130 and diastolic BP >80 mm Hg)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Current tobacco smoker
- Outer or middle ear conditions (such as impacted ear wax or ear disease)
- Use of certain ototoxic medications (such as some chemotherapy drugs)
- Blood pressure that does not fall within the study’s required ranges
The entire study lasts about 2.5 hours. Once enrolled, the study involves:
- Pre-screening: You will first complete a short pre-screening questionnaire online, by phone, Zoom, or in person to determine initial eligibility.
- In person: Participants will attend an in-person screening visit (~30 minutes) where researchers will measure blood pressure, complete a glucose finger prick, conduct a short cognitive screening, and perform basic ear examinations. If eligible, participants may then complete an evaluation visit (~2 hours) that includes questionnaires, height and weight measurements, and comprehensive hearing testing. During the hearing tests, sounds will be played through headphones while specialized equipment measures how the inner ear responds.
Participants will be paid $15 per hour for approximately 2.5 hours of testing (up to about $68 total). As part of the study, participants will also receive free health screenings, including blood pressure testing, blood glucose testing, cognitive screening, and a comprehensive hearing test, and may receive an additional $15 if traveling more than 40 miles roundtrip to the study site.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.