Impact of hearing loss and cochlear implants on work and wellbeing
Impact of Treating Unilateral and Bilateral Severe-to-profound Sensorineural Hearing Loss on Productivity and Social Wellbeing
This study looks at how hearing loss and cochlear implants affect work and overall wellbeing in adults aged 18 to 65.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Antwerp Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Edegem, Antwerpen) |
| Trial ID | NCT05196022 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study examines how hearing loss and cochlear implantation affect costs, health states, employment, productivity, and social wellbeing in working adults aged 18 to 65. It aims to include 100 participants with severe-to-profound bilateral sensorineural or mixed hearing loss, half of whom will not receive cochlear implants due to various factors. Additionally, 100 participants with single-sided deafness will be included. The study will utilize validated questionnaires and audiological tests to gather comprehensive data over time.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 with severe-to-profound sensorineural or mixed hearing loss, who can understand and speak Dutch and reside in Flanders.
Not a fit: Patients who have already received a cochlear implant or have conductive or congenital hearing loss may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into how cochlear implants can enhance employment and quality of life for individuals with significant hearing loss.
How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored the impact of cochlear implants on quality of life, this specific approach focusing on employment and productivity is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18 and 65 years * Unilateral or bilateral severe-to-profound sensorineural or mixed hearing loss * Ability to understand and speak Dutch * Resident in Flanders Exclusion Criteria: * Already implanted with a cochlear implant * Conductive hearing loss * Congenital hearing loss * Inability to complete audiological or cognitive evaluation * Inability to complete questionnaires
Where this trial is running
Edegem, Antwerpen
- Universitair Ziekenhuis Antwerpen — Edegem, Antwerpen, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Cato Philips
- Email: Cato.Philips@uza.be
- Phone: 038212435
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.