Text-message support to help new NHS hearing aid users keep using their hearing aids
Audiology Text-Messaging Intervention (Florence) to Improve Hearing Aid Use in NHS Adult Audiology Patients: A Feasibility Study With Proof-of-Concept and Embedded Process Evaluation
This trial will test whether sending standardised NHS text messages to adults starting hearing aids helps them use their devices more regularly.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 70 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Wsaud A/s Industry-sponsored |
| Locations | 3 sites (Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07146607 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a UK pilot randomized feasibility trial comparing a Florence-delivered audiology text-message protocol to usual care for new NHS hearing aid users, with 60 participants randomized 1:1. The intervention group will receive a standardised sequence of supportive and behaviour-change text messages between appointments while the control group receives usual audiology follow-up. Primary outcomes focus on trial feasibility, with secondary measures exploring proof-of-concept effects on hearing-aid adherence, patient-reported outcomes, and cost-effectiveness, and a nested process evaluation will interview patients and clinicians. Participants must be adults prescribed their first NHS acoustic hearing aid, have access to a mobile phone, and be able to read English.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults (≥18) newly prescribed their first NHS acoustic hearing aid who can read English, provide consent, and have access to a mobile phone are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People already enrolled on an existing Florence protocol, those without access to a mobile phone, non-English readers, or not first-time hearing aid users are unlikely to benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the texting protocol could increase hearing-aid use, improve quality of life, and reduce wasted NHS resources.
How similar studies have performed: Florence and other text-message interventions have improved self-management in conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and cancer, but applying this approach to audiology is novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
WP1: Pilot Feasibility Study (n=60, 30 per group intervention/control (treatment as usual)) Inclusion criteria * Aged ≥18 years (no upper age limit) * Prescribed their first NHS acoustic hearing aid(s) for the primary concern of hearing loss * Able and willing to provide informed consent * Not currently participating in similar research * Access to a mobile device (This is not required to be a smart phone device) Exclusion criteria * Registered on a pre-existing Florence text-messaging protocol. * Unable to read/understand English WP2: Nested Process Evaluation (minimum n=10 patients, n=2 clinicians) Inclusion criteria (patients) * Aged ≥18 years (no upper age limit) * Prescribed their first NHS acoustic hearing aid(s) for the primary concern of hearing loss * Able and willing to provide informed consent Exclusion criteria (patients) * Registered on a pre-existing Florence text-messaging protocol. * Unable to read/understand English Inclusion criteria (clinicians) * Aged ≥18 years (no upper age limit) * Able and willing to provide informed consent Exclusion criteria (clinicians) • Not meeting criteria for inclusion
Where this trial is running
Nottingham, Nottinghamshire and 2 other locations
- QMC Ropewalk House — Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, United Kingdom (Enrolling_by_invitation)
- Sunderland Royal Hospital, Kayll Road, Sunderland, SR4 7TP — Sunderland, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
- Audiology Department Suite 2 Thomas Linacre Centre Parsons Walk Wigan WN1 1RU — Wigan, United Kingdom (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Emma E Broome, PhD — University of Nottingham
- Study coordinator: Emma E Broome, PhD
- Email: emma.broome1@nottingham.ac.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 115 8232606
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.