A pilot study of group aural rehabilitation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A pilot study to evaluate the Grampian Education and Auditory Rehabilitation Strategy (GEARS): Feasibility of group aural rehabilitation for first-time hearing aid wearers.
IRAS ID
124998
Contact name
Joanna White
Contact email
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
North of Scotland committee 1, 15-NS-0086
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 1 days
Research summary
This pilot study aims to evaluate the feasibility of the 'Grampian Education and Auditory Rehabilitation Strategy', which will subsequently be referred to as GEARS. The purpose of GEARS is to provide comprehensive evidence-based aural (hearing-related) rehabilitation for patients within a group-based format.
There is a recognised correlation between increasing age and prevalence of hearing loss. Demand for hearing aid services continues to increase, owing to an ageing population within Scotland. This has resulted in greater pressure for NHS service providers, who must adhere to referral-to-treatment target times. In response to increasing demand, providers have been inclined to optimise patient capacity by reducing clinical time per patient. However, one must consider the potential influence of such interventions in relation to the quality of rehabilitative care.
There is robust evidence supporting the unique perspectives of individuals, with regard to hearing loss and hearing aids. Self-perception of hearing loss may influence adherence to recommended management, whilst motivation and unrealistic expectation may negate hearing aid benefit and satisfaction. These factors can be addressed through person-centred care, but may be compromised through limited clinical time and adherence to technical procedures.
This pilot study aims to provide informative data concerning the process and scientific issues surrounding GEARS, which may support or negate the value of conducting future and larger scale research. The criteria for determining feasibility will include a 'non-inferiority' analysis of patient-related outcomes, between participants undertaking GEARS and those receiving a revised model of individualised care. The pilot will also consider issues of costing, recruitment rates and attrition. The study design and inclusion criteria are representative of future target populations, affording an opportunity for sample size calculation for future research, if the pilot can be shown to be viable.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 1
REC reference
15/NS/0086
Date of REC Opinion
10 Aug 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion