Digital Health, Telehealth Technology Can Enhance Hearing Care Access

Published in The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, new research shows how various digital health solutions, including telehealth technology-based intervention methods, can work to enhance hearing care access.

Hearing loss is a common condition, affecting 1.6 billion people worldwide, the press release notes.

"If undetected and untreated, hearing loss can have significant lifelong consequences for those relying on spoken language," said Samantha Kleindienst Robler, PhD, assistant professor and associate director of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) Center for Hearing Health Equity, in a press release. "Preventable hearing loss can negatively impact speech, communication, academic performance, vocational opportunities, and quality of life."

Often caused by factors such as high noise levels, ear infections, and exposure to ototoxic chemicals, hearing loss can often be prevented through various precautionary efforts. In fact, researchers believe that 60 percent of hearing loss among children is preventable, according to the press release.

In this study, researchers found that an audiology assessment conducted via telehealth could help improve access to hearing care. The remote assessment method involves using a wireless headset controlled by specialists through mobile phones or laptops. This would enable patients to access care locally while the specialist is far away.

"Digital health technology is versatile and, in many ways, can meet the patient where they are," continued Robler. "A real strength is that it can help take patient care to the next level by moving from an in-person, visit-centric approach to a person-centric approach that better supports a person's life and their needs."

Researchers also acknowledged the disparities in telehealth access, as rural residents often lack sufficient tools and technology. Robler and other researchers from UAMS are also conducting studies in rural Alaska, using collaborative research to close hearing health disparities.

"There is much work to be done to ensure everyone has equal access to hearing health care, regardless of where they live, and that the evidence generated in hearing-related clinical trials is robust and representative," said Robler.

Recently, various strategies have been implemented to improve care using telehealth.

In January, West Virginia University (WVU) Health System worked with Virta Health to implement a virtual diabetes treatment program. In the collaboration, WVU Medicine offered Virta Health's program to its employees in the state. The program is provided via an application that allows patients to connect with clinicians to receive custom dietary recommendations.

Similarly, in August, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan announced a partnership with Maven Clinic to provide access to virtual maternity care. The virtual care program, delivered through a digital platform, includes services related to parenthood, pregnancy, postpartum, and pediatrics.