Improving hearing healthcare access in rural communities
Hearing Healthcare Assessment in Rural Communities (HHARC)
This study is looking at how to help adults with hearing loss in rural areas get better access to hearing care by creating a program that guides them through education, screening, and treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10904931 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on addressing the challenges of hearing loss among adults living in rural areas, where access to hearing healthcare is often limited. It aims to assess how rural health clinics can better serve these communities by providing education, screening, and treatment for hearing loss. The project will involve developing a patient navigation program tailored to the needs of rural adults, ensuring they receive timely and effective hearing healthcare services. By understanding the barriers faced by these populations, the research seeks to create a sustainable model for improving hearing health outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older living in rural communities who may be experiencing hearing loss or have not received recent hearing assessments.
Not a fit: Patients living in urban areas or those who do not have hearing loss may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly enhance access to hearing healthcare for rural adults, leading to improved communication and overall quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeted interventions in rural healthcare settings can improve access to various health services, suggesting a promising approach for hearing healthcare as well.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bush, Matthew Lee — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Bush, Matthew Lee
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 below.