UnknownNot Applicable

The SeaSHeL National Prospective Cohort Study

United Kingdom730 participantsStarted 2019-10-07

Plain-language summary

Each year, approximately 15,000 people in the United Kingdom experience sudden loss of hearing that is sensorineural in nature. In the majority of cases, the cause is unknown despite investigation, and these cases are termed idiopathic 'sudden onset sensorineural hearing loss' (SSNHL). Treatment options for idiopathic SSNHL mainly include steroid treatments, with considerable limitations in their effectiveness and evidence base. There are a number of new treatments being developed for idiopathic SSNHL based upon recent discoveries in underlying molecular mechanisms. These treatments require rigorous testing in clinical trials before they can become available for clinical use. To allow for such trials to be run effectively, there is an urgent need for information on patient numbers, geographical distribution, demographics, patient and treatment pathways, as well as outcomes. This study proposes to collect these data through an ENT trainee and Audiologist led nationwide prospective cohort study of adult patients presenting with SSNHL within the National Health Services (NHS). The study will take place at 97 NHS sites across England with Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) and Audiology services. Data once collected will be analysed to: 1. Establish the patient pathway for patients presenting with SSNHL in the NHS 2. Develop a tool that will help predict recovery for patients with idiopathic SSNHL. 3. Establish the impact of idiopathic SSNHL on people's quality of life.

Who can participate

Age range

16 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: * Adult patients (male or female) aged over 16 years of age presenting to NHS ENT and hearing services with SSNHL AND * Diagnosed with a hearing loss in one or both ears of 30 dB HL or more, over at least 3 contiguous frequencies, between 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 and 8000 Hz. AND • Willing and able to provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with mixed or conductive hearing loss (CHL). CHL will be defined as a 'true' air-bone gap of 15 dB HL or more in 3 or more contiguous frequencies between 500, 1000, 2000, 4000 Hz.

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.

What they're measuring

Change in auditory function

Timeframe: 6 to 16 weeks from onset of symptoms

Trial details

NCT IDNCT04108598

SponsorUniversity College, London

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2021-03-30

Contact for this trial

Rishi Mandavia

07947643912 seashelstudy@gmail.com

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Sensory Hearing Loss trials