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Objective:In 2006 the National Acoustic Laboratories was commissioned to create a telephone-based hearing screening test.Design:NAL developed ‘Telscreen’, a speech-in-noise test modelled on the Dutch and UK telephone tests. The first version, Telscreen I, had several novel features: individual scoring of digits; individual equalization of digit intelligibility; and accuracy-determined test termination. Evaluation of Telscreen I revealed that it did not discriminate satisfactorily between those with and without hearing impairment. Subsequently Telscreen II, which included a novel sensitized masking noise, was developed.Study sample:Telscreen I was evaluated by 105 participants (22–86 years), 37% with normal hearing (all thresholds <20 dB HL in the test ear), 63% with hearing impairment (all thresholds >20 dB HL in the test ear). Telscreen II was evaluated by 75 participants (25–86 years), 33% with normal hearing, 67% with hearing impairment.Results:Correlations between Telscreen I results and hearing thresholds,r = 0.57, and hearing disability scores,r = 0.51 were highly significant, but lower than expected. Correlations for Telscreen II were higher:r = 0.77 and 0.65, respectively. Telscreen II was found to have high sensitivity: 90%; and specificity: 90.2%.Conclusions:Telscreen II is an efficient, reliable, and innovative hearing screening test that provides a solid foundation for future tests delivered via mobile and internet technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess (1) the feasibility of incorporating the Ida Institute’s Motivation Tools into a UK audiology service, (2) the potential benefits of motivational engagement in first-time hearing aid users, and (3) predictors of hearing aid and general health outcome measures. Design: A feasibility study using a single-centre, prospective, quasi-randomized controlled design with two arms. The Ida Institute’s Motivation Tools formed the basis for motivational engagement. Study sample: First-time hearing aid users were recruited at the initial hearing assessment appointment. The intervention arm underwent motivational engagement (M+, n = 32), and a control arm (M-, n = 36) received standard care only. Results: The M+ group showed greater self-efficacy, reduced anxiety, and greater engagement with the audiologist at assessment and fitting appointments. However, there were no significant between-group differences 10-weeks post-fitting. Hearing-related communication scores predicted anxiety, and social isolation scores predicted depression for the M+ group. Readiness to address hearing difficulties predicted hearing aid outcomes for the M- group. Hearing sensitivity was not a predictor of outcomes. Conclusions: There were some positive results from motivational engagement early in the patient journey. Future research should consider using qualitative methods to explore whether there are longer-term benefits of motivational engagement in hearing aid users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]