A Pragmatic Clinical Trial of Hearing Screening in Primary Care Clinics: Effect of Setting and Provider Encouragement.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

The prevalence of hearing loss increases with age. Untreated hearing loss is associated with poorer communication abilities and negative health consequences, such as increased risk of dementia, increased odds of falling, and depression. Nonetheless, evidence is insufficient to support the benefits of universal hearing screening in asymptomatic older adults. The primary goal of the present study was to compare three hearing screening protocols that differed in their level of support by the primary care (PC) clinic and provider. The protocols varied in setting (in-clinic versus at-home screening) and in primary care provider (PCP) encouragement for hearing screening (yes versus no).

Design

We conducted a multisite, pragmatic clinical trial. A total of 660 adults age

SUBMITTER: Smith SL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10841210 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan-Feb 01

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature