Evaluating Remote Versus In-Person Fine-Tuning of Hearing Aids in Danish Adults Using Smartphone App or Clinic Visits

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness and user satisfaction of remote fine-tuning of hearing aids compared to traditional face-to-face adjustments in adults with hearing loss. This trial aims to find out if hearing aid outcomes, both self-reported and measured, are similar when using remote adjustment via a smartphone app versus in-person clinic visits. A qualitative study is also included to explore user experiences with remote fine-tuning. Participants are randomly assigned to either a remote fine-tuning group, where they use a smartphone app to adjust their hearing aids from home, or a face-to-face group, receiving adjustments in a clinic setting. The study includes five scheduled visits over three months, covering baseline measurements, hearing aid fittings, and follow-ups. The qualitative substudy separately collects interviews and observations to better understand users views on remote fine-tuning. During the trial, participants complete questionnaires like SSQ-12, IOI-HA, and COSI, and undergo objective tests including Speech Intelligibility Index and speech comprehension in noise. Data collection spans from baseline before fitting to 12 weeks post-fitting. Researchers will monitor hearing aid effectiveness, hearing improvement, and user satisfaction. Safety and usability are tracked, and findings from both the randomized trial and the qualitative study will provide comprehensive insights.

Effectiveness and Acceptability of Remote Fine-Tuning of Hearing Aids in Danish Adults