Embedding routine hearing health checks within existing Meals on Wheels services - A protocol for the SOUND-BITES...

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Public Health
• Audiology

Background:

• High prevalence of undiagnosed hearing loss in older adults necessitates innovative healthcare delivery.
• Task shifting to non-specialists can improve access to hearing healthcare with limited resources.
• The SOUND-BITES program utilizes mobile health and community partnerships to address this gap.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the SOUND-BITES hearing care program.
• To assess the impact of the program on hearing handicap and actions taken by clients.
• To explore the cost-benefits of this novel hearing health model.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study employing a mixed-methods approach evaluated the SOUND-BITES program.
• Trained non-specialists delivered otoscopy (Arclight), hearing screening (Sound Scouts app), and education.
• Pre- and post-program surveys and qualitative interviews assessed outcomes including acceptability, feasibility, and hearing handicap.

Main Results:

• The SOUND-BITES program demonstrated feasibility and acceptability among participants.
• Further analysis is required to fully report on secondary outcomes such as hearing handicap changes and cost-benefits.
• The program successfully leveraged mobile health technologies and community partnerships.

Conclusions:

• The SOUND-BITES program offers a promising, scalable model for improving hearing health access in older adults.
• Task shifting and mobile health integration are effective strategies for audiology service delivery.
• Continued research and dissemination are essential to optimize and expand this innovative approach.