Synchronous remote fine-tuning and follow-up within aural rehabilitation: a randomised controlled trial

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.

Keywords:

• Aural rehabilitation
• synchronous
• remote fine-tuning
• remote followup

Acknowledgments

The authors thank the participants in this study and the clinicians and operation managers at the Hearing Organization, VRG, Sweden. The authors are also grateful to Maria Hoff for her valuable input when planning this study.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Correction Statement

This article has been corrected with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Region Västra Götaland, Habilitation & Health, Hearing Organisation.