The aims of the Improving Communication with Formal/Informal Caregivers among Older Adults with Dual Sensory Impairment: Feasibility of Hearing Intervention in a Low Vision Rehabilitation Clinic (LVR) are:
Primary aims Aim 1 To characterize prevalence of objective hearing impairment (i.e. DSI) among a clinical LVR population) in older adults (≥60 years) with English proficiency free from moderate to severe depression or cognitive decline using the Hearing Handicap Inventory for the Elderly (HHIE) assessment and an objective hearing evaluation.
Aim 2 To describe the perceived burden of care on primary caregiver (identified people who assist with two or more activities of daily living. instrumental activities of daily living (ADLs/Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs))of individuals with dual sensory impairment (DSI) among a clinical LVR population in older adults (≥60 years) with English proficiency free from moderate to severe depression or cognitive decline using the Zarit Burden Interview questionnaire and qualitative interview data analyses.
Aim 3 To determine feasibility and benefit of a pilot manualized over-the-counter hearing intervention program on LVR patients to address communication among a DSI population using the Zarit Burden Interview questionnaire.
3A: Describe feasibility based on completion of pilot, drop-out rate, and semi-structured interviews 3B: Describe perceived communication improvements based on semi-structured interviews
Who can participate
Age range
60 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria- Older Adult Participants
To be eligible for aims 1 \& 2 of the study, older adult participants must meet all of the following criteria:
* Age over 60 years. Individuals aged over 60 years at the time of recruitment are eligible for participation.
* Low Vision Rehab Patient/Attendee
* Fluent English Speaker
* Caregiver who reports aiding in 2 or More ADLs/IADLs.
* Residency. Participants must plan to reside in the local area for the pilot duration
* Willingness to participate and adhere to the protocol. Participants must be willing and able to consent to participate in the study, be willing to adhere to the pilot protocol for the duration of the pilot (1 session for aim 1 and aim 2, 2 sessions 4-6 weeks apart for aim 3).
To be eligible for aim 3 of the study, older adult participants must meet the following additional criteria:
* Dual Sensory Impairment (only for aims 2 and 3)
* Hearing Impairment. Participant hearing will be measured by pure tone audiometry a four-frequency test in both ears. Hearing impairment score \>=25dB in better ear.
Caregiver (Identified People who Assist with Two or More ADLs/IADLs) Participants
To be eligible for aims 2 \& 3 of the study, caregiver participants must meet the following criteria:
• Assist an eligible and willing older adult pilot participant with two or more ADLs/IADLs.
Exclusion Criteria:
Potential candidates for enrollment who meet one or more of the following criteria are excluded from participation in t…
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.