Could a common Alzheimer's drug help people hear better with cochlear implants?

NCT ID NCT05438264

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: Vanderbilt University Medical Center Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This early-phase study tests whether donepezil, a drug used for Alzheimer's, can improve speech recognition in adults who already use a cochlear implant. Researchers think the drug may help the brain adapt to the implant's signals. Fifty participants will receive either donepezil or a placebo for three months, and their hearing and thinking skills will be measured.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Donepezil (also known as Aricept)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a medication that helps cochlear implant users hear speech more clearly.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small trial. The drug may not improve hearing, and side effects like nausea or dizziness are possible.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Hearing Loss, Sensorineural sensorineural hearing loss disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

BILATERAL SENSORINEURAL HEARING LOSS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Nashville, Tennessee, 37203, United States

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