Evaluation of an audiological rehabilitation program
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Evaluation of an online audiological rehabilitation program for adults with hearing loss
IRAS ID
251919
Contact name
Melanie Ferguson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Research & Innovation
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 10 days
Research summary
Hearing loss is a widespread condition. It affects about 1 in 6 people in the United Kingdom. It can have a big impact on quality of life. People with hearing loss often struggle to communicate, especially in noisy places or during group conversations. As a result, they can become isolated.
Hearing aids can help people with hearing loss. However, it can be hard to get used to wearing hearing aids and to learn how to maintain them. As such, many people do not use their hearing aids regularly or stop wearing them.
Researchers from Denmark have created an online educational program for people with hearing loss. It has 5 modules containing videos, quizzes, and reading materials. It covers several topics, including hearing loss, hearing aids, and coping. A Swedish study found that the program can benefit patients.
The aim of this research is to look at whether this program is beneficial to NHS patients in the United Kingdom. We will ask people with hearing loss from NHS audiology clinics to take part. They will be divided into two groups:
1) The first group will get usual care (e.g. hearing aids) and the online educational program.
2) The second group will get usual care and an online educational booklet. After the study has ended, they will have access to the program.
The patients will fill out questionnaires before and after they complete the program or booklet. The questionnaires ask about their hearing loss, wellbeing, and hearing aid use. We will look at whether the group who received the program have better results than the group who received the booklet. We will also conduct focus groups with patients to get their views on the program.
The overall goal is help people with hearing loss to manage their condition.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Sheffield Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/YH/0422
Date of REC Opinion
24 Oct 2018
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion