title: A randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of online rehabilitative intervention for adult hearing-aid users.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Previous research shows that the internet can be used in the rehabilitation of hearing-aid users. By further developing the online program, it might be possible to foster behavioral changes that will positively affect hearing-aid users.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized controlled study with two groups of participants. The intervention group underwent a five-week online intervention while the control group was referred to a waiting list. Questionnaires were used as outcome measures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-six experienced hearing-aid users participated in the study, ranging in age from 26 to 81 years (mean 69.3 years).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The findings showed significant improvements in the intervention group after the intervention, measured by the hearing handicap inventory for the elderly. The effects were maintained and improved at the follow-up. Furthermore, the results indicated that the participants in the intervention group improved at two items of the international outcome inventory for hearing aids, and the effects were partly maintained at the follow-up. Finally, significant improvements in the domain of psychosocial wellbeing were found at the follow-up.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study provides further evidence that the internet can be used to deliver intervention of rehabilitation to hearing-aid users.
authors.affiliation: * Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Division of Technical Audiology, Linköping University , Sweden.
authors.forename: Elisabet Sundewall
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Thorén
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Oberg
authors.forename: Gunilla
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Wänström
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Andersson
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lunner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001299:Audiometry; D012048:Correction of Hearing Impairment / Q000379:methods*; D003376:Counseling; D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006310:Hearing Aids; D006311:Hearing Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019986:Persons with Hearing Disabilities / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Counseling; hearing loss; internet; outcome assessment; rehabilitation of hearing impaired