Treatment to Help Autistic Adults Tolerate Loud Sounds Better
Tests a step-by-step treatment for sensitivity to loud sounds in autistic adults.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Transitional Intervention for Hyperacusis in Autism
Key facts
- Where
- Dallas and Orlando, United StatesSee the 2 sites
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 39 years old?
Source: NCT07798297, who can take part
Where in United States
- Callier Center for Communication DisordersDallas, United StatesTaking people
- Communication Technologies Research CenterOrlando, United StatesNot yet recruiting
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University of Central Florida
- Trial code
- NCT07798297
- Record updated
- 1 September 2026
- Original description
The main goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness, benefits, and post-treatment persistence of an intervention for loudness hyperacusis in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The main questions it aims to answer are:Read full original descriptionShow less
Effectiveness of an Individualized Progressive Treatment for Expanding Sound Tolerance in Adults With Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Crossover Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
The main goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness, benefits, and post-treatment persistence of an intervention for loudness hyperacusis in adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The main questions it aims to answer are:
* Does the intervention increase loudness tolerance * Does the intervention reduce symptoms related to loudness hyperacusis Researchers will compare measures related to loudness hyperacusis before, during, and after the intervention.
Participants will:
* Be randomly assigned to either one of two groups. One group will receiver the intervention immediately. This group will be evaluated during the 6-month intervention and evaluated for 6 months after the end of the intervention. The other group will be evaluated for 6 months before the intervention and during the 6-month intervention. * Visit the test site once every month over the course of a year for evaluation and intervention activities * Keep a diary of their symptoms and the number of hours per day they engage in the intervention
Inclusion: Adults age 18 to 39 years; Autism spectrum disorder; Mild-to-severe loudness hyperacusis indicated by a score ≥ 22 on the Hyperacusis Questionnaire (HQ) and LDLs for tones ≤ 80 dB HL at two or more audiometric frequencies in at least one ear; No more than slight or mild sensorineural hearing loss from 250 to 8000 Hz; Normal tympanograms consistent with normal middle ear function; Normal "tone" decay response for "comfortable but soft" broadband noise; Ability understand informed consent in English; Availability and willingness to conform to the study visit schedule; Diagnosis of autism (including Asperger's and other diagnoses "on the spectrum"); Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R) score of 65 or greater to confirm ASD diagnosis; Full-Scale IQ score of 90 or greater on the Weschler Abbreviated Scale of Intelligence (WASI-II; 2-lists).
Exclusion: Otologic surgical procedures within the past 6 months; Ongoing use of ototoxic medications; Active or past drug or alcohol dependent histories; Management for epilepsy within the past 6 months; Management for seizures within the past 6 months; Management for or other neurological disorders within the past 6 months; Acute Meniere's disease within the past 6 months; Management for head trauma within the past 6 months; Management for traumatic brain injury within the past 6 months; Actively fluctuating hearing loss within the past 6 months; Labyrinthitis within the past 6 months; Conductive hearing loss; Otalgia; Known scheduling or travel conflicts.