Elkton

Adult hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition in the United States, with adults in rural areas facing higher risks and more difficulties in receiving hearing tests and treatment compared to those in urban settings. This research aims to develop and pilot test a community-based hearing healthcare patient navigation program in rural Kentucky to see if it can increase the number of rural adults receiving diagnostic hearing tests. The study focuses on adults experiencing adult-onset or age-related hearing loss. The study involves 500 patients from 10 rural clinics who will be invited to participate during routine office visits. After informed consent and baseline assessment, participants who screen positive for hearing loss will be contacted by a Patient Navigator every two weeks. The navigator will support patients with education, screening, diagnosis, and treatment related to hearing health care. Participants will be assisted in obtaining a formal diagnostic audiogram within 12 months of enrollment. Each navigation session is expected to last between 10 and 30 minutes. Participants will be monitored from enrollment through 12 months, with data collected after the diagnostic audiogram or at 12 months if no audiogram is done. The main outcome measured is the number of participants who receive a diagnostic audiogram during this period. The study includes assessments conducted by trained interviewers and aims to improve hearing healthcare access for rural adults. Total participation spans a full year from enrollment to study completion.