UK adult hearing screening
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Barriers, acceptability and uptake of an online UK adult hearing screen
IRAS ID
257098
Contact name
Piers Dawes
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Manchester
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 8 months, 31 days
Research summary
Hearing loss is highly prevalent, associated with a range of negative outcomes including communication difficulties, depression, social isolation, cognitive decline, under- and un-employment, and is ranked 4th for global burden of disability. Untreated hearing loss cost the UK economy approximately £25 billion in 2013, and this is projected to increase to £38.6 billion by 2031. Around 29% of adults aged 55-74 years have a hearing loss and could benefit from a hearing aid. However, only 14% of people who would benefit actually use a hearing aid. Most people wait an average of 10 years before seeking help, further increasing the years of healthy life lost.
An adult hearing screening program may reduce burden of hearing loss by increasing rates of hearing aid use and promoting use at an earlier age. The study is an evaluation of an internet-delivered hearing screen that would be used in a later, full randomised controlled trial.
1300 people aged 50-75 years from one Greater Manchester GP surgery will receive an invitation from their doctor to complete a brief internet hearing check. We would like to find out i) how many people take up the offer and ii) how people feel about doing an internet hearing check. 1000 people will be asked to do a questionnaire about barriers to taking an internet hearing check. The hearing check could be used across the UK in future as part of a nationwide hearing screen for adults.
The study is funded by the NIHR BRC Hearing Health Grant.REC name
West Midlands - Solihull Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/WM/0123
Date of REC Opinion
23 Apr 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion