The Nottingham Clinical Trials Unit at the University of Nottingham are running a clinical trial to learn whether cochlear implants or hearing aids are better for individuals whose hearing falls just outside present NHS standards for receiving a cochlear implant.
Help shape the future provision of cochlear implants in the UK by joining the trial, which is running in several city hospitals across the UK.
What the trial is for
The trial will assess whether a cochlear implant or hearing aids are better at improving speech understanding for adults with severe hearing loss.
The research team running the trial (COACH) do not know which treatment option is better, or if they are similar, for this group of people, which the trial will help them to understand. The results of the trial could help set standards for the future provision of cochlear implants in the UK.
Who can take part?
The research team are seeking 130 adults with severe hearing loss who do not meet the NHS standards for a cochlear implant but are close.
Participants will need to be able to reach one of the nine NHS hospitals hosting the trial, including: Guys and St Thomas’s, UCL and St. George’s in London, or at NHS hospitals in Birmingham, Manchester, Bradford, Cardiff, South Tees, and Nottingham.
What to expect
Participants will receive cutting-edge hearing technology. Half of the participants will receive the best available hearing aids, while the other half will undergo cochlear implant surgery.
Every participant will receive comprehensive support throughout, including regular clinical appointments.
The research activities you’ll be asked to take part in include:
- completing questionnaires about your hearing
- attending face-to-face research appointments for hearing and speech tests.
At the end of the trial, you’ll get to keep your trial hearing aid or cochlear implant. Travel expenses, food, or overnight hotel stays incurred will be funded.
How to apply
To learn more and join this ground breaking initiative, email the research trial team at [email protected], or visit www.coachtrial.ac.uk .