RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT07146607

Evaluating an Audiology Text-Message Protocol to Support Hearing Aid Use in NHS Adult Audiology Patients

Audiology Text-Messaging Intervention (Florence) to Improve Hearing Aid Use in NHS Adult Audiology Patients: A Feasibility Study With Proof-of-Concept and Embedded Process Evaluation

Sponsor

WSAUD A/S

Enrollment

70 participants

Start Date

Sep 30, 2025

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Hearing Loss

Summary

Over 18 million adults in the United Kingdom have significant hearing loss, linked to isolation, depression and comorbidities. Hearing aids are the main management option yet are frequently unused (\~23%) or used irregularly (\<40%), wasting NHS resources and reducing quality-of-life gains. Digital behaviour-change interventions can improve self-management between appointments. Florence, an NHS-endorsed text-messaging system, has been used in the management of other long-term conditions, but has not yet been applied within audiology. This study will test a standardised audiology text-message protocol, delivered via Florence, to support new NHS hearing aid users, aiming to improve adherence, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. Outcomes assess trial feasibility (primary objective), proof-of concept for efficacy (secondary objective), and process evaluation (tertiary objective).

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria10

Aged ≥18 years (no upper age limit)
Prescribed their first NHS acoustic hearing aid(s) for the primary concern of hearing loss
Able and willing to provide informed consent
Not currently participating in similar research
Access to a mobile device (This is not required to be a smart phone device)
Aged ≥18 years (no upper age limit)
Prescribed their first NHS acoustic hearing aid(s) for the primary concern of hearing loss
Able and willing to provide informed consent
Aged ≥18 years (no upper age limit)
Able and willing to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria5

Registered on a pre-existing Florence text-messaging protocol.
Unable to read/understand English
Registered on a pre-existing Florence text-messaging protocol.
Unable to read/understand English
• Not meeting criteria for inclusion

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Interventions

BEHAVIORALAudiology text-message protocol

Florence is an interactive text messaging service, endorsed by NHS England, designed to improve clinical outcomes for patients. An audiology text-message protocol, delivered via Florence, will prepare, inform and support new NHS hearing aid users as they are prescribed, receive, and start to use their hearing aid(s).