Improving newborn hearing screening in Kenya using smartphones
mHealth OAE: Towards Universal Newborn Hearing Screening in Kenya (mTUNE)
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · NIH-10929468
This study is creating an affordable smartphone tool to help check for hearing loss in newborns in Kenya, making it easier for local health workers to spot any issues early, even in noisy places, so that babies can get the support they need for their growth and development.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SEATTLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-10929468 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a low-cost smartphone device to screen newborns for hearing loss in Kenya, where access to traditional screening methods is limited. The project aims to optimize the device for use in various clinical settings and assess its effectiveness in noisy environments. By training local health workers to use this technology, the research seeks to ensure early detection and intervention for hearing loss in infants, which is crucial for their cognitive and social development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns and infants in Kenya, particularly those born in resource-limited settings.
Not a fit: Patients who are older than five years or those who do not reside in Kenya may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and treatment of hearing loss in newborns, significantly improving their developmental outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success with similar low-cost screening approaches in other regions, indicating potential for this method to be effective in Kenya.
Where this research is happening
SEATTLE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON — SEATTLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BENKI-NUGENT, SARAH F. — UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- Study coordinator: BENKI-NUGENT, SARAH F.
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus