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Benefit of a Clinically Streamlined and Structured Aural Rehabilitation (CSSAR) Program in Adults
Sponsor: Case Western Reserve University
Summary
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.
Official title: Evaluating the Benefits of Aural Rehabilitation for Adult Users of Entry-Level Hearing Aids
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
55 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
60
Start Date
2026-09
Completion Date
2028-12
Last Updated
2026-07-22
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Clinically Streamlined and Structured Aural Rehabilitation (CSSAR)
Participants assigned to the intervention group will receive standard of care plus CSSAR. CSSAR is designed to add more active rehabilitative support (beyond hearing aids) that is feasible for clinical implementation in practice settings. CSSAR will include two phases. Phase I CSSAR will consist of a one hour, in-person communication support session delivered prior to the hearing aid fitting. The participant will be coached through scenarios in which both they and their communication partner must actively reflect on facilitative or maladaptive communication and repair strategies and on environmental modification. Phase II CSSAR will occur 3 months after the hearing aid fitting, and will consist of auditory training using a free mobile app. Because structured auditory training is rarely incorporated into routine clinical care, often due to time constraints, this phase is designed to provide an additional rehabilitative element that is accessible and feasible in real-world practice.
Locations (1)
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, Ohio, United States