Feasibility of an online rehabilitation program
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Assessing the feasibility of a clinical trial of an online audiological rehabilitation program
IRAS ID
214225
Contact name
Melanie Ferguson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The University of Nottingham
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 5 months, 30 days
Research summary
Hearing aids are the most common intervention for hearing loss. However, the majority of people who get them do not use them. This is an issue because hearing loss can lead to communication difficulties, resulting in reduced quality of life.
Rehabilitation programs can help people to use their hearing aids and interact in social settings more effectively. Programs delivered via the internet may also help people with hearing loss access them. This study is looking at an online rehabilitation program for people with hearing loss. The program covers different topics, including information about hearing aids, ways to improve communication, and relaxation techniques.
During the study, hearing aid users will complete questionnaires about their experiences with hearing aids and how their hearing loss affects their day-to-day lives. They will then complete up to 5 modules of an online rehabilitation program at home. Each module will take at least one hour to complete. Participants will have up to one week to complete each module. When all the modules are completed, participants will complete the questionnaires again.
Some participants may also be invited to take part in a small group discussion. During the group discussion participants will be encouraged to share their views on the program, such as what they liked or disliked.
We are interested to see whether a study assessing the program can be done in people with hearing loss. In addition, we would like to better understand how the program can be improved. This study will help us to make sure that the program is clear and that it covers the right topics. We will use the results of the research to prepare for a study that will test how effective the program is in larger group of people.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - Leeds East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/YH/0420
Date of REC Opinion
23 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion