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Nijmeijer HGB, Huinck WJ, Kramer SE, Donders ART, van der Wilt GJ, Mylanus EAM. Changes on clinical and participatory outcomes in people with severe-to-profound hearing loss after cochlear implantation: protocol of a multicentre prospective observational cohort study - Societal Merit of Intervention on Hearing Loss Evaluation (SMILE). BMJ Open 2023; 13:e072689. [PMID: 37369408 PMCID: PMC10410821 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-072689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cochlear implantation (CI) is a (cost-)effective intervention for people with severe or profound hearing loss. Since its introduction experience increased and the technology evolved, leading to better results and relaxation of CI eligibility criteria. Meanwhile, with national healthcare costs increasing there is a need for evidence of healthcare technology's value. This protocol describes a study to investigate clinical and participatory outcomes after CI for the currently (expanded) eligible hearing impaired population. The study adds to the current evidence base through its multicentre design, long-term follow-up and use of participatory outcomes alongside standard clinical outcomes. METHODS This multicentre prospective observational cohort study will include at least 156 adult patients with severe-to-profound hearing loss, approximately evenly divided into two groups (1, ages 18-65 years and 2, age >65 years). The measurements consist of audiometry, cognition tests, listening effort tests and multiple generic and disease specific questionnaires. Questionnaires will be administered twice before CI, soon after inclusion at CI referral and shortly before CI surgery, with an annual follow-up of 3 years after CI. The Impact on Participation and Autonomy questionnaire will be used to assess participation. Generalised models (linear, logistic, Poisson) will be used. Mixed effects models will be used to investigate changes over time while exploring differences in subgroups and the influence of covariates. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has received ethical approval from the Medical Ethical Committee of all participating centres. The results could provide valuable insights into changes in participatory outcomes of people with severe-to-profound hearing loss after CI. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences and professional and patient organisation meetings. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT05525221.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo G B Nijmeijer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Wendy J Huinck
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Gert Jan van der Wilt
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Department for Health Evidence, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Emmanuel A M Mylanus
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Radboudumc, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
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van Wier MF, Jansen LA, Goderie T, Stam M, Nachtegaal J, van Beek JHM, Lemke U, Anema JR, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Smits C, Kramer SE. Cohort profile: Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing (NL-SH). BMJ Open 2023; 13:e070180. [PMID: 37068904 PMCID: PMC10111885 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-070180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Netherlands Longitudinal Study on Hearing (NL-SH) was set up to examine associations of hearing ability with psychosocial, work and health outcomes in working age adults. PARTICIPANTS Inclusion started in 2006 and is ongoing. Currently the sample comprises 2800 adults with normal and impaired hearing, aged 18-70 years at inclusion. Five-year follow-up started in 2011, 10-year follow-up in 2016 and 15-year follow-up in 2021. All measurements are web-based. Participants perform a speech-in-noise recognition test to measure hearing ability and fill out questionnaires about their hearing status, hearing aid use, self-reported hearing disability and coping, work status and work-related outcomes (work performance, need for recovery), physical and psychosocial health (depression, anxiety, distress, somatisation, loneliness), healthcare usage, lifestyle (smoking, alcohol), and technology use. FINDINGS TO DATE The NL-SH has shown the vast implications of reduced hearing ability for the quality of life and health of working-age adults. A selection of results published in 27 papers is presented. Age-related deterioration of hearing ability accelerates after the age of 50 years. Having a history of smoking is associated with a faster decline in hearing ability, but this relationship is not found for other cardiovascular risk factors. Poorer hearing ability is associated with increased distress, somatisation, depression and loneliness. Adults with impaired hearing ability are more likely to be unemployed or unfit for work, and need more time to recuperate from work effort. FUTURE PLANS Participant data will be linked to a national database to enable research on the association between hearing ability and mortality. Linking to environmental exposure data will facilitate insight in relations between environmental factors, hearing ability and psychosocial outcomes. The unique breadth of the NL-SH data will also allow for further research on other functional problems, for instance, hearing ability and fall risk. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NL12015.029.06.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marieke F van Wier
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte A Jansen
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Thadé Goderie
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mariska Stam
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke Nachtegaal
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes H M van Beek
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ulrike Lemke
- Research & Development, Sonova AG, Stäfa, Switzerland
| | - Johannes R Anema
- Public and Occupational health, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit I Lissenberg-Witte
- Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cas Smits
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Amsterdam UMC location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Quality of Care, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Meijerink JF, Pronk M, Lissenberg-Witte BI, Jansen V, Kramer SE. Effectiveness of a Web-Based SUpport PRogram (SUPR) for Hearing Aid Users Aged 50+: Two-Arm, Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial. J Med Internet Res 2020; 22:e17927. [PMID: 32960175 PMCID: PMC7539169 DOI: 10.2196/17927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 06/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hearing aid (HA) use is known to improve health outcomes for people with hearing loss. Despite that, HA use is suboptimal, and communication issues and hearing-related activity limitations and participation restrictions often remain. Web-based self-management communication programs may support people with hearing loss to effectively self-manage the impact of hearing loss in their daily lives. OBJECTIVE The goal of the research is to examine the short- and long-term effects of a web-based self-management SUpport PRogram (SUPR) on communication strategy use (primary outcome) and a range of secondary outcomes for HA users aged 50 years and older. METHODS Clients of 36 HA dispensing practices were randomized to SUPR (SUPR recipients; n=180 HA users) and 34 to care as usual (controls; n=163 HA users). SUPR recipients received a practical support booklet and online materials delivered via email over the course of their 6-month HA rehabilitation trajectory. They were encouraged to appoint a communication partner and were offered optional email contact with the HA dispensing practice. The online materials included 3 instruction videos on HA handling, 5 videos on communication strategies, and 3 testimonial videos. Care as usual included a HA fitting rehabilitation trajectory only. Measurements were carried out at baseline, immediately postintervention, 6 months postintervention, and 12 months postintervention. The primary outcome measure was self-reported use of communication strategies (3 subscales of the Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired [CPHI]). Secondary outcome measures included self-reported personal adjustment to hearing loss (CPHI); use, satisfaction and benefit of HAs and SUPR (use questionnaire; International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids [IOI-HA], Alternative Interventions [IOI-AI]); recommendation of HA dispensing services; self-efficacy for HA handling (Measure of Audiologic Rehabilitation Self-Efficacy for Hearing Aids [MARS-HA]); readiness to act on hearing loss (University of Rhode Island Change Assessment adapted for hearing loss [URICA-HL]); and hearing disability (Amsterdam Inventory for Auditory Disability and Handicap [AIADH]). RESULTS Linear mixed model analyses (intention to treat) showed no significant differences between the SUPR and control group in the course of communication strategy use (CPHI). Immediately postintervention, SUPR recipients showed significantly higher self-efficacy for advanced HA handling than the controls, which was sustained at 12 months (MARS-HA; mean difference immediately postintervention: 5.3, 95% CI 0.3 to 10.4; P=.04). Also, SUPR recipients showed significantly greater HA satisfaction than controls immediately postintervention (IOI-HA; 0.3, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.5; P=.006), which was sustained at 12 months, and significantly greater HA use than the controls immediately postintervention (IOI-HA; 0.3, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.5; P=.03), which was not sustained at 12 months. CONCLUSIONS This study provides ground to recommend adding SUPR to standard HA dispensing care, as long-term, modest improvements in HA outcomes were observed. Further research is needed to evaluate what adjustments to SUPR are needed to establish long-term effectiveness on outcomes in the psychosocial domain. TRIAL REGISTRATION ISRCTN77340339; http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN77340339. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID) RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2016-015012.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine Fj Meijerink
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Marieke Pronk
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Vera Jansen
- Schoonenberg HoorSupport, Dordrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ear and Hearing, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Relationships Between Coping Behaviors and Social Loneliness in Adults With Self-reported Hearing Problems. Ear Hear 2020; 41:1040-1050. [DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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van der Hoek-Snieders HEM, Boymans M, Sorgdrager B, Dreschler WA. Factors influencing the need for recovery in employees with hearing loss: a cross-sectional study of health administrative data. Int Arch Occup Environ Health 2020; 93:1023-1035. [PMID: 32507999 PMCID: PMC7519912 DOI: 10.1007/s00420-020-01556-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Objective Need for recovery is a predictor of work stress and health problems, but its underlying factors are not yet well understood. We aimed to identify hearing-related, work-related, and personal factors influencing need for recovery in hearing-impaired employees. Methods We retrospectively identified hearing-impaired employees (N = 294) that were referred to the Amsterdam University Medical Center between 2004 and 2019. Routinely obtained healthcare data were used, including a survey and hearing assessments. A directed acyclic graph was constructed, revealing the hypothesized structure of factors influencing need for recovery as well as the minimal set of factors needed for multiple regression analysis. Results Four variables were included in the regression analysis. In total, 46.1% of the variance in need for recovery was explained by the factors feeling that something should change at work (B = 19.01, p < 0.001), self-perceived listening effort (B = 1.84, p < 0.001), personal adaptations scale score (B = − 0.34, p < .001), and having a moderate/poor general health condition (B = 20.06, p < 0.001). Although degree of hearing loss was associated with self-perceived listening effort, the direct association between degree of hearing loss and need for recovery was not significant. Conclusions The results suggest that the way employees perceive their hearing loss and how they cope with it directly influence need for recovery, rather than their measured degree of hearing loss. Additionally, general health condition was found to be an independent factor for need for recovery. The results should be confirmed by future, longitudinal research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanneke E M van der Hoek-Snieders
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Clinical and Experimental Audiology, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Monique Boymans
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Clinical and Experimental Audiology, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bas Sorgdrager
- Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Netherlands Centre of Occupational Diseases, Coronel Institute AmCOGG, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter A Dreschler
- Amsterdam UMC, Department of Clinical and Experimental Audiology, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Gussenhoven AHM, Anema JR, Witte BI, Goverts ST, Kramer SE. The Effectiveness of a Vocational Enablement Protocol for Employees With Hearing Difficulties: Results of a Randomized Controlled Trial. Trends Hear 2018; 21:2331216517692304. [PMID: 29298599 PMCID: PMC5308425 DOI: 10.1177/2331216517692304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a vocational enablement protocol (VEP) on need for recovery (NFR) after work as compared with usual care for employees with hearing difficulties. In a randomized controlled trial design, 136 employees with hearing impairment were randomly assigned to either the VEP or the control group. VEP is a multidisciplinary program integrating audiological and occupational care for individuals experiencing difficulties in the workplace due to hearing loss. The primary outcome measure was NFR. Secondary outcome measures were communication strategy subscales (e.g., self-acceptance and maladaptive behavior), distress, and self-efficacy. Data were collected using questionnaires at baseline and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months follow-up. No significant difference over the complete follow-up period was found between the intervention and control group for NFR. However, we observed a significant difference for one of the secondary outcomes after 12 months. “Self-acceptance” increased significantly in the VEP group, compared with the controls. The mean difference between the two groups was small, being only 0.24 (95% CI [0.04, 0.44]) on a scale of 1 to 5. The results do not support the use of VEP if the aim is to reduce NFR after work at 12 months follow-up. It may be that NFR does not adequately capture what is covered in the VEP. Although marginal, the effect on self-acceptance was significant. This is encouraging given that positive effects on self-acceptance have rarely been shown for audiological rehabilitation programs. Suggestions for further improvement of the VEP are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjenne H M Gussenhoven
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear & Hearing and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,2 Department of Public and Occupational Health and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johannes R Anema
- 2 Department of Public and Occupational Health and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,3 Research Center for Insurance Medicine AMC-UWV-VUmc, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Birgit I Witte
- 4 Department of Epidemiology and Biostatics, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Theo Goverts
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear & Hearing and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- 1 Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Section Ear & Hearing and Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Late emotional effects of rehabilitation during childhood and their impact on coping with deafness in adulthood. J Health Psychol 2017; 25:522-537. [DOI: 10.1177/1359105317719581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined potential influences of childhood rehabilitation and over-normalization on coping with disability in adulthood. A total of 88 deaf and hard-of-hearing students were interviewed retrospectively about their childhood and completed self-report questionnaires assessing psychological environment-directedness and present emotional and behavioral coping with deafness. It was partially supported that over-normative parental attitude negatively affected coping with deafness through the mediation of elevated environment-directedness. Intensity of childhood rehabilitation was not found to affect adulthood coping with deafness. However, post-hoc analyses supported this mediation path when rehabilitation had been intensive yet not prolonged. Alleviating changes in the perception and practice of rehabilitation are suggested.
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Effects of a Dual Sensory Loss Protocol on Hearing Aid Outcomes: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Ear Hear 2016; 36:e166-75. [PMID: 25738573 DOI: 10.1097/aud.0000000000000153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dual sensory loss (DSL; concurrent vision and hearing loss) negatively affects quality of life. As speechreading is hampered, use of hearing aids (HAs) is important for older adults with DSL. However, due to vision loss, use of small and complex HAs is assumed to be difficult. An integrative DSL protocol that addresses rehabilitative care for older adults with DSL, including proper HA use, was implemented in low vision rehabilitation centers. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the DSL protocol among HA owners on HA outcomes (i.e., HA use, benefit, satisfaction with HAs, and hearing with HAs). DESIGN In a randomized controlled trial, the DSL protocol was compared to a waiting list control group among clients (aged ≥50 years) of low vision rehabilitation centers with DSL. The International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) and the HA Fitting Questionnaire (HAFQ) were administered at baseline and 3 months follow-up. Participants (n = 128) were randomly allocated to either the intervention (n = 63) or control group (n = 65). RESULTS Intention-to-treat analyses showed a near significant effect on IOI-HA Residual problems (effect size, 0.35; p = 0.063). Per-protocol analyses showed similar (nonsignificant) results on the main outcomes, and a ceiling effect was found on the HAFQ. Significant effects were found in subgroups of patients: among patients with low HAFQ scores (HAFQ-Use: effect size = 0.56, p = 0.046; HAFQ-Hearing with HAs: effect size = 0.64, p = 0.019), male participants (effect size = 0.80; p = 0.003), and those with moderate hearing loss (effect size = 0.72; p = 0.028), significantly better IOI-HA scores were found in the intervention group at 3 months follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Although the per-protocol and subgroup analyses need to be interpreted with caution, DSL patients who experience HA difficulties could benefit from the DSL protocol by making better use of their HAs. The increasing prevalence and impact of DSL on a person's independence and social participation call for more awareness of concurrent sensory impairments in both low vision and audiology rehabilitation. Interdisciplinary training for rehabilitation professionals could be an important step, followed by integration of vision and hearing services using the DSL protocol.
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Faber HT, Nelissen RC, Kramer SE, Cremers CWRJ, Snik AFM, Hol MKS. Bone-anchored hearing implants in single-sided deafness patients: Long-term use and satisfaction by gender. Laryngoscope 2015; 125:2790-5. [PMID: 26152833 DOI: 10.1002/lary.25423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS To examine the long-term satisfaction and possible effects of gender in patients with single-sided deafness (SSD) who underwent bone-anchored hearing implant (BAHI) surgery. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case-control study. METHODS All (n = 145) consecutive SSD patients fitted with a BAHI between January 2001 and October 2011 were asked to complete a questionnaire consisting of the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB), the Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired (CPHI), and the SSD questionnaire. RESULTS Twenty-three of the 135 responding patients (17%) reported discontinuation of the device over an average follow-up time of 61.7 months. No significant differences were found in the degree of disability or coping between men and women, according to the APHAB and CPHI scores. Improvement in quality of life and appreciation of the BAHI were not affected by gender, age, directional hearing ability, and handling of the device. The appearance of the device positively affected their appreciation. At the mean follow-up time of 117 months, 69.2% was using their BAHI. In the domains background noise, reverberant surroundings, and aversion to sounds, the mean APHAB scores were significantly changed at 3 months, 1 year, and 10 years after implantation. CONCLUSION Our study examined the results of BAHI use in SSD patients over a relatively long follow-up period, with an average of 5 years. The majority of users (83%) were satisfied with the device. No significant gender differences were in terms of reported appreciation, hearing disability, or coping with a BAHI. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3b.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hubert T Faber
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Rik C Nelissen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Sophia E Kramer
- VU University Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Section Audiology, EMGO+ Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cor W R J Cremers
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ad F M Snik
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Myrthe K S Hol
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Trotter AR, Matt SB, Wojnar D. Communication Strategies and Accommodations Utilized by Health Care Providers With Hearing Loss: A Pilot Study. Am J Audiol 2014; 23:7-19. [DOI: 10.1044/1059-0889(2013/12-0065)] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose
Poor communication between health care providers and patients may negatively impact patient outcomes, and enhancing communication is one way to improve outcomes. Effective communication is particularly important for health care providers who have hearing loss. The authors found that a systematic survey of the communication strategies and experiences of health care providers with hearing loss had not yet been conducted.
Method
In this pilot study, 32 health care professionals with hearing loss were recruited via the Association of Medical Professionals With Hearing Losses and were asked to complete a 28-question survey.
Results
Health care providers with hearing loss already employ strategies that all health care providers are encouraged to use in order to enhance patient–provider communication, and survey participants have found the strategies to be effective.
Conclusions
The communication techniques and assistive technologies used by individuals with hearing loss seem to be effective: All participants reported feeling able to communicate effectively with patients at least most of the time. More research is needed to determine if use of these communication techniques has similar results for health care providers without hearing loss.
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Hallam RS, Corney R. Conversation tactics in persons with normal hearing and hearing-impairment. Int J Audiol 2013; 53:174-81. [DOI: 10.3109/14992027.2013.852256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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Gussenhoven AHM, Anema JR, Goverts ST, Bosmans JE, Festen JM, Kramer SE. Cost-effectiveness of a vocational enablement protocol for employees with hearing impairment; design of a randomized controlled trial. BMC Public Health 2012; 12:151. [PMID: 22380920 PMCID: PMC3306742 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2458-12-151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2012] [Accepted: 03/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hearing impairment at the workplace, and the resulting psychosocial problems are a major health problem with substantial costs for employees, companies, and society. Therefore, it is important to develop interventions to support hearing impaired employees. The objective of this article is to describe the design of a randomized controlled trial evaluating the (cost-) effectiveness of a Vocational Enablement Protocol (VEP) compared with usual care. Methods/Design Participants will be selected with the 'Hearing and Distress Screener'. The study population will consist of 160 hearing impaired employees. The VEP intervention group will be compared with usual care. The VEP integrated care programme consists of a multidisciplinary assessment of auditory function, work demands, and personal characteristics. The goal of the intervention is to facilitate participation in work. The primary outcome measure of the study is 'need for recovery after work'. Secondary outcome measures are coping with hearing impairment, distress, self-efficacy, psychosocial workload, job control, general health status, sick leave, work productivity, and health care use. Outcome measures will be assessed by questionnaires at baseline, and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after baseline. The economic evaluation will be performed from both a societal and a company perspective. A process evaluation will also be performed. Discussion Interventions addressing occupational difficulties of hearing impaired employees are rare but highly needed. If the VEP integrated care programme proves to be (cost-) effective, the intervention can have an impact on the well-being of hearing impaired employees, and thereby, on the costs for the company as well for the society. Trial registration Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR2782
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjenne H M Gussenhoven
- Department ENT/Audiology and EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Mokkink LB, Knol DL, van Nispen RMA, Kramer SE. Improving the quality and applicability of the Dutch scales of the Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired using item response theory. JOURNAL OF SPEECH, LANGUAGE, AND HEARING RESEARCH : JSLHR 2010; 53:556-571. [PMID: 20530379 DOI: 10.1044/1092-4388(2010/09-0035)] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to improve the quality and applicability of the 6 Dutch scales of the Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired (CPHI; Demorest & Erdman, 1986, 1987, 1988) using item response theory (IRT). IRT modeling can produce precise, valid, and relatively brief instruments, resulting in minimal response burden (Edelen & Reeve, 2006). METHOD We investigated (a) whether items fit to the graded response model (GRM; Samejima, 1969) using Stone and Zhang's (2003) procedure to test goodness of fit and (b) whether items showed differential item functioning (DIF) with the IRT log-likelihood ratio approach for 5 group variables: gender, age, living arrangement, use of hearing aids, and degree of hearing impairment. We investigated the magnitude of DIF by calculating the maximum difference between expected item scores for subgroups of the group variables of items showing DIF. RESULTS In a cross-sectional study, 408 consecutive individuals with hearing impairment completed the Dutch CPHI scales. Twelve items were deleted because of misfit to GRMs, 14 items showed uniform DIF, and 2 showed nonuniform DIF. Five items showing DIF were deleted due to large magnitude of DIF. The short form of the Dutch CPHI scales contains 35 items. CONCLUSIONS DIF analyses showed that the short form was relatively free of DIF with respect to the 5 group variables. Hence, there is no need to make adjustments for the calculation of subgroup scores.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidwine B Mokkink
- EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Van der Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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