Evaluating an Audiology Text-Message Protocol to Support Hearing Aid Use in NHS Adult Audiology Patients

Over 18 million adults in the United Kingdom have significant hearing loss, linked to isolation, depression and comorbidities. Hearing aids are the main management option yet are frequently unused (\~23%) or used irregularly (\<40%), wasting NHS resources and reducing quality-of-life gains. Digital behaviour-change interventions can improve self-management between appointments. Florence, an NHS-endorsed text-messaging system, has been used in the management of other long-term conditions, but has not yet been applied within audiology. This study will test a standardised audiology text-message protocol, delivered via Florence, to support new NHS hearing aid users, aiming to improve adherence, outcomes, and cost-effectiveness. Outcomes assess trial feasibility (primary objective), proof-of concept for efficacy (secondary objective), and process evaluation (tertiary objective).

NCT Number	NCT07146607
Lead Sponsor	WSAUD A/S Collaborators: National Institute for Health Research, United Kingdom, University of Nottingham
Conditions	Hearing Loss
Enrollment	70 participants
Start Date	2025-09-30
Primary Completion	2026-11 (estimated)
Study Completion	2026-12 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-03-09