Comparison of In-Person Versus Remote Cochlear Implant Candidacy Evaluations
Hearing Loss, Hearing Disorders
About this trial
This is an interventional diagnostic trial for Hearing Loss focused on measuring Audiometry, Cochlear Implants, Adult, Telemedicine, Health Services Accessibility, Rural Population, Technology Assessment, Biomedical
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Adults (>18) who are current patients at the University of Kentucky Morehead Clinic
- Adults who have moderate to profound hearing loss
- Adults who can speak and understand English since cochlear implantation candidacy testing is performed using standardized word lists in English
Exclusion Criteria:
- Adults with prelingual deafness
- Adults who use sign language as a primary means of communication
- Adults with active otological infections with otorrhea or cerumen impaction seen on otoscopy
- Pregnant women since pregnant women are not cochlear implant surgical candidates
Sites / Locations
- University of Kentucky
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Experimental
In-Person CI Counseling Session
Remote CI Counseling Session
Participants (n=6) randomized to receive an in-person CI counseling session will receive what normally occurs with patients pursuing cochlear implantation. The counseling will last 30-45 minutes and consists 5 key components: an explanation of the patient's hearing testing results, a discussion of the impact of hearing loss on the patient's life, treatment options for hearing loss including hearing aid amplification and cochlear implantation, an explanation of how CIs function and the necessary steps in candidacy and rehabilitation, and an outline of the expected outcomes following cochlear implantation.
Participants (n=6) randomized to receive a remote CI counseling session will be receiving the counseling session remotely. The participants will be counseled remotely by the audiologist located in Lexington, KY via the telemedicine system (intervention). This counseling will last 30-45 minutes and consists 5 key components: an explanation of the patient's hearing testing results, a discussion of the impact of hearing loss on the patient's life, treatment options for hearing loss including hearing aid amplification and cochlear implantation, explanation of how CIs function and the necessary steps in candidacy and rehabilitation, and an outline of the expected outcomes following cochlear implantation.