Improving hearing for Veterans in emergency departments
Implementing HearVA (I-HearVA)
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
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1050 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VA Office of Research and Development Federal |
| Locations | 6 sites (Aurora, Colorado and 5 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05028972 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are English-speaking Veterans with medium to low acuity emergency conditions who report hearing difficulties.
Not a fit: Patients with high acuity emergencies or those using cochlear implants may not benefit from this study.
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 performed: Other studies have shown promise in using assistive hearing devices in clinical settings, but this specific approach in emergency departments is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
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 this trial is running
Aurora, Colorado and 5 other locations
- 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)
- Syracuse VA Medical Center, Syracuse, NY — Syracuse, New York, United States (Not_yet_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 (Not_yet_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
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.