Short- and long-term effects of remote synchronous fine-tuning for first-time hearing aid users: a randomised controlled trial.

Objective: To evaluate the short- and long-term effect of remote synchronous fine-tuning and follow-up visits on hearing-related problems and hearing aid (HA) benefits for first-time HA users.

Design: A randomised controlled trial.

Study sample: Patients at public tax-funded HA clinics in Sweden due for aural rehabilitation (AR) were randomised to either an intervention group (n = 33) or a control group (n = 36). Both groups completed the conventional AR process, but the intervention group received synchronous remote fine-tuning of HAs and online follow-up visits. Outcome measures were used before and after intervention, and 6 months and 1 year after intervention.

Results: Both groups improved hearing-related problems measured with the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly/Adults over time, and no significant differences were found between the groups. Such improvements were also found for the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit except for the subscale aversiveness. Both groups decreased the use of HAs in hours/day over time. The intervention group reported significant improvements in activity limitation when measured directly after the intervention, compared to the control group.

Conclusion: Synchronous remote fine-tuning and follow-ups for first-time HA users did not influence the outcomes of hearing-related problems and HA benefits differently from standard care at our clinic.