Remote Assist for Bone-Anchored Hearing Aid Users: Development and Validation of a Remote Follow-Up and Programming Protocol

• Grant number: 24/20192-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• Start date: July 01, 2025
• End date: June 30, 2029
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Speech Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Luiz Fernando Manzoni Lourencone
• Grantee: Carlos Alberto Conceição Santana Junior
• Host Institution: Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais (HRAC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Bauru , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In the current scientific context, both nationally and internationally, there is an increasing focus on discussions about auditory habilitation and rehabilitation for various types and degrees of hearing loss, as well as on the advancement of implantable hearing solutions and best practices such as Tele-audiology. Bone-anchored hearing aids (BAHA) are particularly suitable auditory solutions for individuals with conductive and mixed hearing loss, especially in cases where conventional hearing aids are inadequate due to anatomical or physiological issues in the outer and middle ear. In this context, the present non-randomized clinical trial aims to develop and validate a remote follow-up and programming protocol for BAHA users, using a new synchronous tele-audiology solution called Cochlear Remote Assist (RA). The project will be conducted in two stages: 1) Development of the remote follow-up protocol; 2) Clinical evaluation and validation of the use of Remote Assist. In the development phase, the objective is to determine and structure the necessary steps and procedures for effective remote service, based on a smartphone app, aligned with the General Guidelines for Specialized Care for People with Hearing Impairment in the Unified Health System (SUS) and adapted for remote intervention sessions. Experienced audiologists with at least five years of experience in the BAHA field will be consulted through questionnaires to suggest essential steps for remote care for these patients. In the second phase, the clinical evaluation and validation of Remote Assist as an effective tele-audiology tool for BAHA will be carried out. Data analysis will use parametric or non-parametric statistical tests, depending on data distribution, for inter- and intra-subject comparisons. It is expected that teleprogramming will be as effective as in-person follow-up sessions, offering a therapeutic alternative for patients who require specialized care but do not have easy access to these services in their hometowns. In addition to optimizing the flow of specialized services, this approach may provide quality care regardless of physical and geographical barriers. (AU)