title: Internet Interventions for Hearing Loss.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of the two studies presented in this research forum article was to develop audiological rehabilitation programs for experienced hearing aid users and evaluate them in online versions. In this research forum article, the differences between the two studies are discussed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were performed evaluating the efficacy of online rehabilitation, including professional guidance by an audiologist. In each RCT, the effects of the online programs were compared with the effects measured in a control group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The results from the first RCT showed a significant increase in activity and participation for both groups with participants in the intervention group improving more than those in the control group. At the 6-month follow-up, after the study, the significant increase was maintained; however, amounts of increase in the two groups were no longer significantly different. The results from the second RCT showed significant increase in activity and participation for the intervention group, although the control group did not improve.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results from the RCTs provide evidence that the Internet can be used to deliver rehabilitation to hearing-aid users and that their problems are reduced by the intervention; however, the content of the online rehabilitation program requires further investigation.
authors.forename: Elisabet Sundewall
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Thorén
authors.forename: Marie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Öberg
authors.forename: Gerhard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Andersson
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lunner
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D012048:Correction of Hearing Impairment / Q000379:methods*; D006310:Hearing Aids; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008875:Middle Aged; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011340:Problem Solving; D000069350:Telerehabilitation; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods