Improving hearing care access for older Korean Americans
Official title: K-HEARS: Hearing Health Equity through Accessible Research and Solutions for Korean Americans
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10977070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is all about helping older Korean Americans get better access to hearing care by using friendly community helpers who understand their culture and language, making it easier for them to learn about and use hearing aids and other resources.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $685,841 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DC019686-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10977070 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older Korean Americans who experience hearing loss and may have limited access to traditional hearing care services.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not of Korean descent or those who do not experience hearing loss may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the barriers that older Korean Americans face in accessing hearing care, particularly due to language and cultural differences. It utilizes a peer educator model to deliver affordable and accessible hearing interventions, including over-the-counter hearing technology. The program is designed to be culturally responsive and is implemented through community organizations, aiming to improve health literacy and navigational skills among participants. By engaging community health workers, the project seeks to enhance the overall hearing health of this underserved population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve hearing health outcomes and quality of life for older Korean Americans.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with community health worker models in improving access to care for underserved populations, indicating a promising approach for this research.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nieman, Carrie L — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Nieman, Carrie L
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting hidden brain injuries in iTTP to improve long-term brain health
A researcher aims to find out how silent brain injuries in people with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) happen, how they affect thinking and stroke risk, and how to prevent them.
-
Accelerated flap coverage for severe leg injuries: earlier reconstruction vs standard timing
This study tests whether doing early flap coverage after a severe leg injury lowers infection risk and improves healing for patients with open wounds and bone injury.
-
Placebo-controlled shunting for iNPH: does the surgery help with walking and balance?
A doctor-led trial at Johns Hopkins will test whether a shunt surgery improves walking and balance in older adults with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.
-
Omalizumab for COPD patients with allergen sensitization and exposure
A multicenter trial will test whether adding omalizumab helps people with COPD who are allergic to common indoor allergens and are exposed to them.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Role of fat droplets in liver fat and inflammatory signals in NAFLD
A study at Johns Hopkins will explore how fat droplets in the liver influence molecules that drive inflammation and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.