The goal of this mixed methods clinical trial is to determine whether a Clinically Streamlined and Structured Aural Rehabilitation (CSSAR) intervention improves hearing aid outcomes for new adult users, age 55 years and older, of entry-level hearing aid technology compared with adults who receive standard audiological care.
The main questions are:
1. Does the CSSAR intervention result in greater hearing aid benefit, improved aided speech-in-noise performance, and reduced self-perceived hearing handicap among adult users of entry-level hearing aids compared with those who receive standard care, such as a hearing aid evaluation, fitting, and orientation, without a structured aural rehabilitation program? 2. How do new adult users of entry-level hearing aids perceive audiological care practices with and without the CSSAR intervention?
Participants will be asked to complete four to five sessions. These sessions may include baseline testing, participation in the CSSAR intervention, two follow-up sessions, and a focus group. For participants in the intervention group, the CSSAR intervention will include a training session with a primary communication partner, followed by use of a mobile auditory training program.
Age 55 and over
Bilateral, symmetric sensorineural hearing loss
New users of binaural entry-level Phonak Receiver-in-Canal hearing aids (for experimental control)
Proficiency in English (in order to understand consent documents, experimental English speech recognition tests, and clinically streamlined and structured aural rehabilitation (CSSAR) trainings)
Score < 23 on cognitive screener
Unilateral or asymmetric sensorineural hearing loss
Conductive or mixed hearing loss
Experienced hearing aid users or users of advanced level hearing aids