Using mobile technology to improve hearing care for children in underserved communities

Mobile technologies for delivering hearing care through community health workers

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR · NIH-11079679

This study is looking to improve hearing care for kids in low and middle-income countries by using smartphones and community health workers to check their hearing and help them use hearing aids, with ongoing support for families to make sure everything works well.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11079679 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research aims to enhance hearing care for children, particularly in low and middle-income countries, by utilizing mobile technology and community health workers. The approach involves testing children's hearing using smartphone-based solutions and, if necessary, programming hearing aids to improve their communication abilities. Families will receive ongoing support through mobile messaging and direct communication with health workers to ensure effective use of the hearing aids. The project includes clinical validation in Cincinnati and community trials in South Africa.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who may have hearing loss and live in low-income communities.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have hearing loss or those outside the targeted age range may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide accessible and effective hearing care solutions for children in underserved populations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using mobile health technologies for various health interventions, indicating potential success for this innovative approach.

Where this research is happening

CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.