Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Rehabilitation Program for Hearing and Communication Disorders in Elderly People in Nursing Homes.

Many older people in UK care homes struggle with hearing loss, which can make them feel lonely, tired, and even sad. While lots of people have hearing issues, only a small number use hearing aids. This study aims to find a better way to help. It will test a special programme for residents in care homes that includes using simple hearing devices to improve what they can hear. Care home staff will also receive training on how to use these devices and how to communicate more easily with residents who have hearing problems. The main goal is to see if this programme can help residents communicate better and feel more connected, ultimately improving their overall well-being.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospital, Toulouse

Enrolment target

Start

01 Sep 2026

Estimated completion

01 Feb 2028

Deafness

What is this study about?

Hearing problems are very common among older people living in care homes across the UK. Unfortunately, this can lead to residents feeling quite cut off from others, tired, anxious, or even depressed. Even though many have hearing difficulties, only a small number actually use hearing aids to help them.

This study wants to learn more about how to help these residents. Researchers are putting together a special programme that focuses on improving hearing and communication. This programme involves two main parts: first, residents will try out simple hearing devices designed to make sounds clearer. Second, the care home staff will get special training. This training will teach them general information about deafness, how to use the hearing devices, and how to create communication workshops to help residents talk and listen better.

By doing this, the study hopes to find out if this combination of simple devices and staff training can really make a difference. The main aim is to help residents communicate more easily with staff and other residents, which could make them feel less isolated and generally happier in their care home.

Key takeaways

Many older people in care homes struggle with hearing loss.
This study tests a new programme to improve hearing and communication.
It involves simple hearing devices and staff training.
The goal is better communication, reducing loneliness, and improving well-being.
Participation is for care home residents with hearing problems, not currently using hearing aids.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be a resident in a care home and have some hearing difficulties. Researchers will check your hearing to make sure, and you'll also need to be able to follow simple instructions and take part in group activities. You should also be able to speak English.

You won't be able to join if you already use any type of hearing aid. Also, if you've recently completed a similar training programme about hearing, or if you have certain serious health conditions that might limit your life expectancy to less than six months, you wouldn't be able to participate. The study also can't include people who are unable to answer questions or join in with group activities.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a resident in a care home?
Do you have some difficulty with your hearing?
Do you NOT currently use any type of hearing aid?
Are you able to take part in group activities and answer questions?
Do you speak English?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, the main thing you'll do is use simple hearing devices. These devices will be used for a period to see if they help improve what you can hear. You'll switch between two different devices at times so the researchers can compare them. You'll also take part in an initial training session, led by a professional, to help you communicate more easily.

Care home staff looking after you will also be involved. They will receive a full day of training covering what to know about hearing loss, how to use the hearing devices, and how to help run communication workshops for residents. The total duration of your participation would depend on the length of the programme being tested.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study might help you hear and communicate better, which could reduce feelings of loneliness or sadness. It could also improve your general well-being and connection with others in your care home. As for risks, using simple hearing devices is generally safe, but any new device can take some getting used to. There's also the chance the programme might not work for everyone. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Toulouse
Verified postcode
Toulouse, France

Common questions

What is the study trying to achieve?

It wants to see if a programme using simple hearing devices and staff training can help care home residents with hearing loss communicate better.

Who can take part?

Older residents in care homes with hearing problems who don't already use hearing aids and can take part in group activities.

What will I have to do?

You'll use simple hearing devices and take part in some communication training sessions.

Will the care home staff also be involved?

Yes, staff will get special training on hearing loss and how to help residents use the devices and communicate.

Can I stop participating if I want to?

Yes, you are free to leave the study at any time without it affecting your care.

How to find out more

Professor Mathieu MARX

marx.m@chu-toulouse.fr 05-61-77-77-04 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.