Getting ready for cochlear implant assessment - online tools at home
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Online tools to improve empowerment and readiness for assessment for cochlear implantation
IRAS ID
233693
Contact name
Helen Cullington
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Southampton
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN14882247
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
A cochlear implant can help people with severe to profound hearing loss to hear. Before having the surgery, there are many tests and appointments at the cochlear implant center, including an assessment of the patient’s hearing needs, communication, and concerns. This is currently done by a clinician at the cochlear implant center; often on the day the patient first comes to the center. This can be a stressful and busy time, so the patient may not be able to make the most of this discussion of their hearing needs. If the patient is able to begin this thought process at home, in their own time, and with the support of friends or family members, we think that the clinical appointment would be more useful to the patient. Instead of the clinician just gathering information, they would be able to really center the discussion on that individual’s carefully considered needs and concerns.
The Ida Institute has designed some easy-to-use online or smartphone tools that allow people with hearing loss to prepare for appointments and consider their hearing difficulties … at their own pace, any place, at any time before they come to the clinic. We would like to trial these tools in adults being referred for a cochlear implant, to see if their use improves the quality and satisfaction with the clinical appointment. We will video and analyze the clinic appointments in two groups: those who have used the online tools, and those who have not. We expect that those using the tools will come to their appointment more empowered and prepared, and so be able to make the most of their time with a clinician.
REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
18/YH/0126
Date of REC Opinion
18 Apr 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion