Effects of the Swedish Internet-based Individualised Active Communication Education (I-ACE) in FTU

Effects of the Swedish Internet-based Individualised Active Communication Education (I-ACE) in First Time Hearing Aid Users: a Randomised Controlled Trial.

Hearing impairment affects the ability to communicate, which can adversely affect both mental and physical health. The most common used rehabilitation method in hearing impairment is hearing aid fitting. Even with optimally fitted hearing aids, many struggle to hear in situations with difficult listening conditions. Active Communication Education (ACE) is an interactive group rehabilitation programme aiming to help those with hearing loss communicate more effectively using communication strategies to cope better in everyday life. An Individualised Active Communication Education (I-ACE) distributed digitally could enable those unable to get to the hearing care facility, or don't want to join the group sessions to benefit from the programme.

This project aims to investigate the effects of the swedish digital version of the I-ACE in first time hearing aid users.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Adults >20 years old who have been fitted with hearing aids for the first time (first time users) 6 - 12 months prior.
• Computer experience and access to computer, tablet and/or smartphone with internet access.
• Access to BankID or equivalent.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Those who have participated in Active Communication Education prior.