Training pharmacy technicians to provide over-the-counter hearing aids in rural areas
Increasing Access to Hearing Healthcare: An Assessment of Pharmacy Technician Educational Training for the Provision of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids in Rural Alabama and Mississippi Pharmacies
This study is trying to see if training pharmacy technicians can help adults with mild to moderate hearing loss in rural Alabama and Mississippi get over-the-counter hearing aids more easily.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 144 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Tuscaloosa, Alabama and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT06864273 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study focuses on improving access to hearing aids for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss in rural Alabama and Mississippi by training pharmacy technicians. Given the limited availability of audiological services in these regions, the study aims to equip pharmacy staff with the necessary skills to assist patients in obtaining over-the-counter hearing aids. The intervention involves educational training for pharmacy technicians to ensure they can effectively guide patients in selecting and using these devices. By addressing the barriers to hearing healthcare, the study seeks to enhance the overall well-being of individuals affected by hearing loss.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing loss living in rural communities of Alabama or Mississippi.
Not a fit: Patients with typical hearing or those living in urban areas of Alabama and Mississippi will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this initiative could significantly improve access to hearing aids for rural populations, enhancing their quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on pharmacy technicians providing hearing aids, similar approaches in enhancing healthcare access in rural settings have shown promise.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Pharmacy technicians licensed to practice in the state of Alabama or Mississippi. 2. Pharmacy technicians who practice in rural communities of Alabama and Mississippi. 3. Adults 18 years of age with mild to moderate hearing loss and who live in rural communities of Alabama or Mississippi. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Pharmacy technicians with hearing loss who could have prior understanding of care for those with hearing loss will not be included in the study. 2. Adults 18 years of age or older with typical hearing will not be included in the study. 3. Adults with hearing loss who live in urban areas of Alabama and Mississippi will not be included in the study. 4. Participants will be excluded if they have any medical condition resulting in cognitive impairment that results in an inability to complete the study tasks (e.g., mental health condition, stroke, head injury, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease)
Where this trial is running
Tuscaloosa, Alabama and 1 other locations
- The Department of Communicative Disorders, Box 870242 — Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
- The Department of Communicative Disorders — Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marcia J Hay-McCutcheon, PhD — The University of Alabama
- 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.