Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 1, 2026
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An Automated System for Sound Localization Testing in Hearing-Impaired Listeners
Published on: March 13, 2026
Implementation and testing of research infrastructure for practice-based research in hearing and communication
David L Witsell1, Kristine A Schulz, Kathy Moore
1Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA. david.witsell@duke.edu
Summary
The Creating Healthcare Excellence through Education and Research (CHEER) network effectively collected patient data for tinnitus and dizziness. Research coordinator engagement was key to success, demonstrating the network
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology and audiology research networks.
- Clinical data collection methodologies.
- Practice-based research in community settings.
Background:
- The Creating Healthcare Excellence through Education and Research (CHEER) network aims to enhance healthcare through education and research.
- Establishing robust data collection capabilities is crucial for practice-based research in otology and otolaryngology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the CHEER network's capacity and experience in rapidly collecting descriptive data.
- To evaluate data collection for patients with tinnitus and dizziness, with or without associated migraine, across CHEER sites.
Main Methods:
- A 6-month prospective observational data collection study was conducted.
- Twenty-one community otology and otolaryngology practices in the US participated.
- A 9-page questionnaire with validated instruments was used, with data captured via REDCap.
Main Results:
- 15 out of 21 CHEER sites participated, with all active within 72 days.
- 1044 patients with tinnitus and dizziness were enrolled over 6 months.
- Research coordinator engagement was vital, while time and resources posed challenges.
Conclusions:
- The CHEER network possesses significant capability for prospective data collection in practice-based settings.
- Research coordinator engagement is fundamental to network success.
- Future efforts should focus on strengthening site principal investigator (PI) and coordinator collaboration.
