Improving access and affordability of hearing healthcare for adults
Improving Access and Affordability of Adult Hearing Healthcare: Effectiveness of Community-based Interventions in West Central and South Alabama
This study is testing different ways to help adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss get better care and improve their hearing using over-the-counter hearing aids.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 210 (estimated) |
| Ages | 40 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tuscaloosa, Alabama) |
| Trial ID | NCT04671381 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project aims to enhance the quality of care for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss who lack access to hearing healthcare. It will utilize three different interventions involving over-the-counter hearing aids to assess their effectiveness in reducing hearing handicap and improving speech perception. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: receiving best practices care from an audiologist, receiving best practices care plus an aural rehabilitation program, or receiving only an over-the-counter hearing aid. The study will also implement an aural rehabilitation program to promote the use of hearing aids and improve quality of life.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 40 and older with mild-to-moderate hearing loss living in West Central or South Alabama.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairments or medical conditions such as stroke or Alzheimer's disease may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly improve access to affordable hearing healthcare for adults with hearing loss.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in improving access to hearing healthcare through similar interventions, indicating potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Mild-to-moderate hearing loss * Live in West Central or South Alabama * 40 years of age or older Exclusion Criteria: • Medical conditions resulting in severe cognitive impairment (e.g., stroke, head injury, senile dementia or Alzheimer's disease)
Where this trial is running
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- The University of Alabama — Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marcia J Hay-McCutcheon, PhD — The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
- Study coordinator: Marcia J Hay-McCutcheon, PhD
- Email: mhaymccu@ua.edu
- Phone: 205-348-4572
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.