Peer-led affordable hearing care for older adults
Extending Capacity for Affordable, Accessible Hearing Care through Peer Mentorship
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · NIH-11372546
Trains older adult peer mentors to help other older adults get affordable over-the-counter hearing devices through local aging agencies.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11372546 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project builds on the HEARS program to offer hearing help in the community through trained older-adult peer mentors who guide people to use over-the-counter (OTC) hearing devices. Researchers will finish the HEARS intervention package and partner with local Area Agencies on Aging to deliver the program where older adults live. The team will test how well peer mentors can enroll and support older adults, provide devices, and help participants use them effectively compared with standard paths to care. The goal is to create a scalable, easy-to-use program to reduce racial, ethnic, and income-related gaps in hearing care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are older adults with hearing difficulties who prefer community-based support and could benefit from over-the-counter hearing technology, especially those who are low-income or from racial/ethnic minority groups.
Not a fit: People with profound hearing loss, complex medical ear conditions, or who need prescription or surgically implanted devices are unlikely to benefit from this community-based OTC approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could make affordable hearing devices and peer support widely available to older adults who face barriers to clinic-based care.
How similar studies have performed: A prior randomized trial of the HEARS program showed positive results with outcomes similar to audiologist-fitted hearing aids, but community delivery at scale is still being tested.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NIEMAN, CARRIE L — JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: NIEMAN, CARRIE L
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.