Soothing sounds may shield seniors from ICU brain fog
NCT ID NCT04182334
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tested whether listening to slow-tempo music through noise-cancelling headphones twice a day could help older adults in the ICU avoid delirium—a state of confusion linked to longer hospital stays and lasting cognitive problems. Researchers enrolled 160 critically ill patients aged 50 and older who were on breathing machines. For up to seven days, one group listened to slow music while a control group wore the same headphones without music. The goal was to see if music increased days free of delirium and coma.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
slow-tempo music listening sessions
What this could lead to
If it works, this could offer a simple, drug-free way to reduce delirium and improve recovery for older ICU patients.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed study without a phase designation, so results may not be definitive or widely applicable. The benefit may be modest or not reproducible in larger, more diverse groups.
Disclaimer
Read more
Show less
This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for ANXIETY are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Show contact details
Enter your email to view the contact information for this study.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Locations
-
Eskenazi Hospital
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
-
IU Health University Hospital
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
-
IU Health West Hospital
Avon, Indiana, 46123, United States
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, Minnesota, 55905, United States
-
Methodist Hospital
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States