Personal sound amplification device improves communication function in elderly with hearing loss: JAMA

Change in the self-perceived communication function (primary outcome) was assessed from the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly–Screening Version [HHIE-S]; the score ranges from 0-40; higher scores suggest poorer function from baseline to 3 months post-randomization. The average treatment effect was estimated.

From 151 randomized participants (mean age, 76.7 years; 67.8% women), 90.1% (n=136) completed a 3-month follow-up for the primary outcome.

Following were the study's key findings:

• 90.5% completed the intervention session in the intervention group and reported at least 1 hour of daily amplification use at three months post-randomization.
• Mean scores for the HHIE-S were 21.7 at baseline and 7.9 at three months in the intervention group, 20.1 at baseline and 21 at three months in the control group.
• Self-perceived communication function remarkably improved in the intervention group versus the control group, with an approximate average treatment effect of the intervention of a change in –12.98-point HHIE-S.
• No study-related adverse events were reported.

"We found that a community health worker–delivered personal sound amplification device intervention remarkably improved self-perceived communication function at three months in older adults with hearing loss," the authors wrote.

"The absence of sham control limits findings, and there is a need for further research to understand effectiveness compared with other types of amplification devices and care delivery model," they concluded.

Reference:

Nieman CL, Betz J, Garcia Morales EE, et al. Effect of a Community Health Worker–Delivered Personal Sound Amplification Device on Self-Perceived Communication Function in Older Adults With Hearing Loss: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2022;328(23):2324–2333. doi:10.1001/jama.2022.21820