The UPMC Center for Audiology and Hearing Aids has several active research projects focused on improving communication through addressing hearing loss in a variety of ways that meet diverse needs. clEARdashboard is a web-based solution being developed with consumer input to provide people with what they need to know about various over-the-counter hearing aids in order to make an informed decision about what product might meet their needs. LiDIA, Listening identification and Immediate Amplification, is a low-cost hearing screener that can be used in health care settings to identify impactful hearing loss. LiDIA turns into an amplifier so individuals who fail the hearing screening can continue to wear the headset and improve communication with their health care provider. LiDIA is being deployed into clinics in 2024 to finalize development and refinement of the device and user interface.
A three-year program, THRIVE, Treating HeaRing and Improving Vision Education, has just started. Our team is partnering with Community Health Workers to co-create an educational program that will support CHWs in improving hearing and vision care in their communities.
The team has two PCORI funded awards, HearCARE, Hearing for Communication and Resident Engagement and the Development of the Self-Efficacy of Engagement Scale (SEES). HearCARE is an intervention study looking at the best way to support hearing needs in Assistive Living locations. SEES is focused on measurement development that will support the inclusion of stakeholders in research endeavors.