Baltimore HEARS: Hearing Equality Through Accessible Research & Solutions



Status:Recruiting
Conditions:Other Indications, Other Indications
Therapuetic Areas:Other
Healthy:No
Age Range:60 - 100
Updated:3/10/2019
Start Date:April 18, 2018
End Date:July 31, 2020
Contact:Frank R Lin, MD, PhD
Email:flin1@jhmi.edu
Phone:410-502-0150

Use our guide to learn which trials are right for you!

Baltimore HEARS Study: Addressing Hearing Impairment and Social Engagement Through Community-delivered Hearing Care

Age-related hearing loss is highly prevalent and hearing health care is underutilized. The
primary objective of the proposed randomized controlled trial is to investigate the efficacy
of a community health worker (CHW)-delivered hearing loss intervention program. A preceding
pilot study demonstrated preliminary effectiveness of the intervention program in reducing
self-reported hearing handicap, and highlighted its acceptability among the target
demographic. The proposed trial will now expand upon lessons learned through previous pilot
studies and expand to other affordable residences for low-to-moderate income older adults in
Baltimore. Primary outcome measurements will investigate intervention effects on hearing
handicap, with secondary measurements investigating effects on domains such as social
isolation and quality of life. This trial is a first-in-kind investigation of a novel
community-based intervention that addresses hearing loss in a vulnerable, urban population.


Inclusion Criteria:

- Age 60 years or older

- English-speaking

- Aural-oral verbal communication as primary communication modality

- Post-lingual hearing loss (Audiometric pure tone averages [0.5-4kHz] in both ears >25
dB)

- Does not currently use a hearing amplification device or hearing aid

- Signed informed consent to participate in all study related activities

- Willing to regularly use listening device once provided for the remainder of their
time in the study

- Hearing handicap as measured by HHIE-S score >8

- Able to follow study instructions

Exclusion Criteria:

- Individuals who do not fulfill inclusion criteria

- Evidence of ear disease or pathology requiring further medical evaluation
We found this trial at
2
sites
Baltimore, Maryland 21215
Principal Investigator: Frank Lin, MD, PhD
?
mi
from
Baltimore, MD
Click here to add this to my saved trials
320 Cathedral Street
Baltimore, Maryland 21201
Principal Investigator: Frank Lin, MD, PhD
?
mi
from
Baltimore, MD
Click here to add this to my saved trials