Soothing sounds may shield seniors from ICU brain fog

NCT ID NCT04182334

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: Indiana University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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.

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.

anxiety anxiety disorder delirium Pain

As listed by the trial registrant

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

ANXIETY INTENSIVE CARE ACQUIRED COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT INTENSIVE CARE UNIT DELIRIUM PAIN

Contacts and locations

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

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