Short- and long-term effects of remote synchronous fine-tuning for first-time hearing aid users: a randomised controlled trial

To evaluate the short- and long-term effect of remote synchronous fine-tuning and follow-up visits on hearing-related problems and hearing aid (HA) benefits for first-time HA users. A randomised controlled trial. Patients at public tax-funded HA clinics in Sweden due for aural rehabilitation (AR) were randomised to either an intervention group (n = 33) or a control group (n = 36). Both groups completed the conventional AR process, but the intervention group received synchronous remote fine-tuning of HAs and online follow-up visits. Outcome measures were used before and after intervention, and 6 months and 1 year after intervention. Both groups improved hearing-related problems measured with the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly/Adults over time, and no significant differences were found between the groups. Such improvements were also found for the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit except for the subscale <i>aversiveness.</i> Both groups decreased the use of HAs in hours/day over time. The intervention group reported significant improvements in activity limitation when measured directly after the intervention, compared to the control group. Synchronous remote fine-tuning and follow-ups for first-time HA users did not influence the outcomes of hearing-related problems and HA benefits differently from standard care at our clinic.