Effectiveness of an online SUpport PRogramme (SUPR) for older hearing aid users: study protocol for a cluster...

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Rehabilitation
• Public Health

Background:

• Hearing impairment significantly impacts older adults and their communication partners.
• Existing hearing aid fitting often lacks comprehensive post-fitting support.
• An educational program, SUPR, was developed to address these gaps.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of the SUPR program in enhancing communication strategies and hearing aid handling skills.
• To assess the impact of SUPR on the adjustment to hearing impairment for both hearing aid users and their communication partners.
• To investigate the long-term effects of the intervention over 18 months.

Main Methods:

• A cluster randomised controlled trial involving 70 Dutch hearing aid dispenser practices.
• Recruitment of 569 older (50+ years) first-time and experienced hearing aid users (HAUs) and their communication partners (CPs).
• SUPR intervention included a practical support booklet and online educational materials over 6-7 months, with optional dispenser contact.

Main Results:

• Primary outcomes focus on the use of communication strategies by HAUs, measured by the Communication Profile for the Hearing Impaired.
• Data collection occurs at baseline and 6, 12, and 18 months post-intervention via online questionnaires.
• A process evaluation will be conducted to assess intervention fidelity and user experience.

Conclusions:

• The SUPR program offers a structured approach to support hearing aid users and their partners beyond the initial fitting.
• This intervention has the potential to reduce the burden of hearing impairment in an aging population.
• Findings will be disseminated through publications and conferences.