Improving hearing for Veterans in emergency departments
Official title: Implementing HearVA (I-HearVA)
Run by VA Office of Research and Development · NCT05028972 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing whether personal amplifiers can help Veterans with hearing difficulties understand discharge instructions better in emergency departments and reduce their chances of going back to the hospital.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 1050 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 6 sites (Aurora, Colorado and 5 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 8, 2021 |
| Main results expected | March 31, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 31, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 5, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05028972 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates for this study are English-speaking Veterans with medium to low acuity emergency conditions who report hearing difficulties.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with high acuity emergencies or those using cochlear implants may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
HearVA is a randomized controlled trial that evaluates the effectiveness of providing personal amplifiers to Veterans with self-reported hearing difficulties in emergency departments. The study aims to determine if these amplifiers can enhance understanding of discharge instructions and reduce hospital readmissions within 3 to 30 days. It consists of two phases: the first phase assessed the feasibility of the intervention, while the second phase will implement and evaluate the program across six VA emergency department sites using a mixed-methods approach. This research addresses a critical gap in care for hearing-impaired patients in high-stakes clinical environments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve communication and care transitions for hearing-impaired Veterans, leading to better health outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using assistive hearing devices in clinical settings, but this specific approach in emergency departments is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * English speaking * Emergency severity index criterion of 3 (medium), 4, or 5 (low acuity) * Hearing Handicap Inventory-Screen greater than or equal to 10 or positive answer to a single-item screening question * Capacity to consent to participate in research Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to consent to participate in research * Emergency severity index criterion of 1-2 (high acuity) * Hearing Handicap Inventory-Screen less than 10 and negative answer to single item screening question * Inability to speak English * Using cochlear implants
Where it's running
-
Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, Aurora, CO
Aurora, Colorado, United States Recruiting -
VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY
New York, New York, United States Recruiting -
James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY
The Bronx, New York, United States Recruiting -
Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC
Durham, North Carolina, United States Recruiting -
VA North Texas Health Care System Dallas VA Medical Center, Dallas, TX
Dallas, Texas, United States Recruiting -
Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY
Syracuse, New York, United States Active not recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Joshua Chodosh, MD MSHS — VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY
- Study coordinator: Joshua Chodosh, MD MSHS
- Email: Joshua.Chodosh@va.gov
- Phone: (310) 478-3711
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.