Innovations in Hearing Accessibility and Technology (IHAT) Study

Description

The research will explore outcomes of different service delivery models of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids by comparing them to prescription hearing aids fitted by specialists in individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. The investigators will examine how each type affects users' experiences, behavior, thinking skills, and brain activity related to hearing. Additionally, the study will focus on what types of people prefer each hearing aid option, what helps or hinders these choices, and compare the costs of four different service options. This approach will help transition from research findings into real-world practice, providing useful information for healthcare providers and policymakers about OTC hearing aid options.

Conditions

Hearing Loss, Hearing Aids, OTC Hearing Aids

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Study Overview

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Study Details

Study overview

The research will explore outcomes of different service delivery models of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids by comparing them to prescription hearing aids fitted by specialists in individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. The investigators will examine how each type affects users' experiences, behavior, thinking skills, and brain activity related to hearing. Additionally, the study will focus on what types of people prefer each hearing aid option, what helps or hinders these choices, and compare the costs of four different service options. This approach will help transition from research findings into real-world practice, providing useful information for healthcare providers and policymakers about OTC hearing aid options.

Effectiveness Trial to Examine the Emerging Service Delivery Models for Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

Innovations in Hearing Accessibility and Technology (IHAT) Study

Condition
Hearing Loss
Intervention / Treatment

-

Contacts and Locations

Aurora

University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States, 80045

Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, Colorado, United States, 80305

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

For general information about clinical research, read Learn About Studies.

Eligibility Criteria

  • * Adult onset, bilateral, mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss documented by audiological evaluation
  • * Aged 40 years or older
  • * No previous HA experience greater than 3 months
  • * Able to read and understand patient education materials
  • * Willing to be randomized to one of the four groups, and
  • * Owns a smartphone
  • * Hearing loss that is too severe for OTC HAs
  • * Middle ear disorders or conductive pathology present
  • * Asymmetrical hearing loss
  • * Diagnosed neurological condition such as dementia or Parkinson's disease or a score lower than 25 on the MOCA
  • * Non-English speaking as it may impact the ability to complete our test battery

Ages Eligible for Study

40 Years to

Sexes Eligible for Study

ALL

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Collaborators and Investigators

University of Colorado, Denver,

Vinaya Manchaiah, AuD, MBA, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Colorado, Denver

Anu Sharma, PhD, PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR, University of Colorado, Boulder

Study Record Dates

2029-03-31