A randomised, controlled trial of clinically implementing online hearing support

The research-oriented objective of this study was to document the effectiveness of online support for hearing aid (HA) users compared with traditional support.

This study is a randomised controlled trial with parallel group design. The research-oriented objectives were evaluated using the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) and the Communication Strategies Scale (CSS) at baseline and immediately postintervention.

Selected clients at five different clinics were randomised to an intervention group (n = 78) that took part in online hearing support and a control group (n = 58) that received standard care.

The analyses (intention-to-treat) showed statistically significant improvements in the HHIE-total and Emotional subscale scores for the intervention group compared with the control group. The intervention group also showed significantly greater improvement in the CSS-total and Verbal and Nonverbal subscale scores. A subgroup analysis was performed including two groups: HA use <1 year and HA use >1 year. A statistically significant improvement was found for the HA users >1 year compared with HA use <1 year.

It is effective to clinically include online hearing support for HA users when addressing self-perceived hearing difficulties and to sharpen communication strategy skills.