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Malmberg M, Hagberg J. Short- and long-term effects of remote synchronous fine-tuning for first-time hearing aid users: a randomised controlled trial. Int J Audiol 2024:1-9. [PMID: 39030719 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2024.2378798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the short- and long-term effect of remote synchronous fine-tuning and follow-up visits on hearing-related problems and hearing aid (HA) benefits for first-time HA users. DESIGN A randomised controlled trial. STUDY SAMPLE Patients at public tax-funded HA clinics in Sweden due for aural rehabilitation (AR) were randomised to either an intervention group (n = 33) or a control group (n = 36). Both groups completed the conventional AR process, but the intervention group received synchronous remote fine-tuning of HAs and online follow-up visits. Outcome measures were used before and after intervention, and 6 months and 1 year after intervention. RESULTS Both groups improved hearing-related problems measured with the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly/Adults over time, and no significant differences were found between the groups. Such improvements were also found for the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit except for the subscale aversiveness. Both groups decreased the use of HAs in hours/day over time. The intervention group reported significant improvements in activity limitation when measured directly after the intervention, compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Synchronous remote fine-tuning and follow-ups for first-time HA users did not influence the outcomes of hearing-related problems and HA benefits differently from standard care at our clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milijana Malmberg
- Region Västra Götaland, Habilitation & Health, Hearing Organisation, Göteborg, Sweden
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Göteborg, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - Jennie Hagberg
- Region Västra Götaland, Habilitation & Health, Hearing Organisation, Göteborg, Sweden
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Malmberg M, Hagberg J. Synchronous remote fine-tuning and follow-up within aural rehabilitation: a randomised controlled trial. Int J Audiol 2024; 63:458-466. [PMID: 36971711 DOI: 10.1080/14992027.2023.2188437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of including synchronous remote fine-tuning and follow-up as a part of the aural rehabilitation process. DESIGN A randomised controlled trial (RCT). STUDY SAMPLE Experienced hearing aid users who were due for renewed aural rehabilitation were randomised to either an intervention group (n = 46) or a control group (n = 49). Both groups underwent all stages of the conventional renewed aural rehabilitation process within our clinics, but the intervention group was also offered remote follow-up visits, including an opportunity for synchronous remote fine-tuning of hearing aids. The Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly/Adults (HHIE/A), the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB), and the International Outcome Intervention for Hearing Aid Users (IOI-HA) were used as outcome measures. RESULTS Both groups improved in self-rated hearing difficulties and hearing aid benefits measured with HHIE/A and APHAB. No significant differences were found between the intervention and the control group. CONCLUSION Including synchronous remote follow-up and fine-tuning as a part of an aural rehabilitation process may effectively complement clinical visits. Additionally, the synchronous remote follow-up has the potential to further develop person-centred care by enabling hearing aid users to identify individual needs directly in an everyday environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milijana Malmberg
- Region Västra Götaland, Habilitation & Health, Hearing Organization, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jennie Hagberg
- Region Västra Götaland, Habilitation & Health, Hearing Organization, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Werther L, Thorén E, Brännström J, Andersson G, Öberg M. Hearing impaired persons' experiences with the online Swedish Individualized Active Communication Education (I-ACE) program: A feasibility study. Internet Interv 2024; 36:100734. [PMID: 38524894 PMCID: PMC10958056 DOI: 10.1016/j.invent.2024.100734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Even with optimally fitted hearing aids, many individuals with hearing impairment struggle to hear in situations with difficult listening conditions. Active Communication Education (ACE) is an interactive group rehabilitation program aimed at helping people with hearing loss communicate more effectively using communication strategies to better cope with everyday life. To increase accessibility and allow more people to benefit from the ACE program, a modified individualized version was created. The purpose of this study was to examine the feasibility of providing the Swedish Individualized Active Communication Education (I-ACE) program via an online platform and to explore hearing impaired persons' experiences with the program. For five weeks, ten participants completed the Swedish I-ACE through an online platform. The participants were assigned a new chapter to complete each week and later received individual feedback on their work via the platform. The participants were asked to complete an evaluation form regarding the content and their experiences during and after completing the I-ACE. They were later interviewed to provide more detailed information on their experiences with the program. The program completion rate was 80 %. Participants found the I-ACE program to be informative and relevant but somewhat repetitive. However, only a few participants thought of the repetitiveness as negative. Few participants reported difficulties using the platform. This study indicated that it is feasible to provide the I-ACE program via an online platform and that the content of the program is informative, relevant, and comprehensible. Further research evaluating the effects of the I-ACE is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Werther
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology in Östergötland, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Thorén
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Audiology Clinic, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Logopedics, Phoniatrics and Audiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jonas Brännström
- Department of Clinical Science, Logopedics, Phoniatrics and Audiology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gerhard Andersson
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology in Östergötland, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Marie Öberg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology in Östergötland, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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Kuang L, Hu H, Dai H, Ma H, Jia Y, Sheng Y. Interventions to improve social network in older people with sensory impairment: a systematic review. Aging Clin Exp Res 2024; 36:34. [PMID: 38345702 PMCID: PMC10861684 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-024-02695-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sensory impairment significantly reduces speech discrimination and perception ability, presenting a challenge to effective communication. It can lead to social withdrawal and a reduced social network which can lead to cognitive impairment, seriously affecting the quality of life of older people. However, it is unclear which intervention components are effective to improving social network in older people with sensory impairment. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to summarize interventions designed to improve social network in older people with sensory impairment. METHODS We searched seven databases from inception to December 1, 2023. Eligible studies included randomized clinical trials (RCT) and quasi-experimental studies of interventions for older people with sensory impairment aimed at improving social networks. Two reviewers searched databases, extracted data, and assessed the quality of the included studies independently. RESULTS Nine studies including five RCTs and four quasi-experimental studies were selected, enrolling 721 older people with sensory impairment. Methodological quality of the studies was modest. Eight studies demonstrated a positive impact of the interventions used in older people with sensory impairment. The detailed effective intervention components may include communication strategies, resources for older people and their significant others, exercise or tech-back of communication, sensory device fitting, and use and maintenance of sensory devices. CONCLUSION There are few interventions available for improving social network in older people with sensory impairment. Most interventions mainly focus on communication education and care, and sensory device fitting and education. To improve the social network in older people with sensory impairment, it is necessary to develop more effective, multidisciplinary collaborative effective interventions and conduct more high-quality original studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Kuang
- School of Nursing, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.33 of Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, People's Republic of China
| | - Hanyu Hu
- School of Nursing, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.33 of Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, People's Republic of China
| | - Halina Dai
- School of Nursing, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.33 of Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiying Ma
- Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Yuling Jia
- School of Nursing, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.33 of Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Sheng
- School of Nursing, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, No.33 of Badachu Road, Shijingshan District, Beijing, 100144, People's Republic of China.
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Ferguson MA, Eikelboom RH, Sucher CM, Maidment DW, Bennett RJ. Remote Technologies to Enhance Service Delivery for Adults: Clinical Research Perspectives. Semin Hear 2023; 44:328-350. [PMID: 37484990 PMCID: PMC10361795 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
There are many examples of remote technologies that are clinically effective and provide numerous benefits to adults with hearing loss. Despite this, the uptake of remote technologies for hearing healthcare has been both low and slow until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been a key driver for change globally. The time is now right to take advantage of the many benefits that remote technologies offer, through clinical, consumer, or hybrid services and channels. These include greater access and choice, better interactivity and engagement, and tailoring of technologies to individual needs, leading to clients who are better informed, enabled, and empowered to self-manage their hearing loss. This article provides an overview of the clinical research evidence-base across a range of remote technologies along the hearing health journey. This includes qualitative, as well as quantitative, methods to ensure the end-users' voice is at the core of the research, thereby promoting person-centered principles. Most of these remote technologies are available and some are already in use, albeit not widespread. Finally, whenever new technologies or processes are implemented into services, be they clinical, hybrid, or consumer, careful consideration needs to be given to the required behavior change of the key people (e.g., clients and service providers) to facilitate and optimize implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie A. Ferguson
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
| | - Robert H. Eikelboom
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Ear Sciences, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Cathy M. Sucher
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Ear Sciences, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - David W. Maidment
- School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca J. Bennett
- Ear Science Institute Australia, Perth, Australia
- School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
- Centre for Ear Sciences, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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