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Semin Hear 2023; 44(03): 328-350
DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1769742
Review Article

Remote Technologies to Enhance Service Delivery for Adults: Clinical Research Perspectives

Melanie A. Ferguson
1   Ear Science Institute Australia, Perth, Australia
2   School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
,
Robert H. Eikelboom
1   Ear Science Institute Australia, Perth, Australia
2   School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
3   Centre for Ear Sciences, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
5   Department of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
,
Cathy M. Sucher
1   Ear Science Institute Australia, Perth, Australia
2   School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
3   Centre for Ear Sciences, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
,
David W. Maidment
4   School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Leicestershire, United Kingdom
,
Rebecca J. Bennett
1   Ear Science Institute Australia, Perth, Australia
2   School of Allied Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Curtin University, Perth, Australia
3   Centre for Ear Sciences, Medical School, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
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Abstract

There are many examples of remote technologies that are clinically effective and provide numerous benefits to adults with hearing loss. Despite this, the uptake of remote technologies for hearing healthcare has been both low and slow until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been a key driver for change globally. The time is now right to take advantage of the many benefits that remote technologies offer, through clinical, consumer, or hybrid services and channels. These include greater access and choice, better interactivity and engagement, and tailoring of technologies to individual needs, leading to clients who are better informed, enabled, and empowered to self-manage their hearing loss. This article provides an overview of the clinical research evidence-base across a range of remote technologies along the hearing health journey. This includes qualitative, as well as quantitative, methods to ensure the end-users' voice is at the core of the research, thereby promoting person-centered principles. Most of these remote technologies are available and some are already in use, albeit not widespread. Finally, whenever new technologies or processes are implemented into services, be they clinical, hybrid, or consumer, careful consideration needs to be given to the required behavior change of the key people (e.g., clients and service providers) to facilitate and optimize implementation.

Keywords

remote technologies - connected hearing healthcare - service delivery models - consumer channels - over-the-counter - implementation science, behavior change


Publication History

Article published online:
21 July 2023

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