Review of new and emerging technologies for hearing loss in response to PSP results
Published: 31 March 2017
A horizon scanning review has been produced by the NIHR Horizon Scanning Research & Intelligence Centre (HSRIC) on new and emerging technologies for hearing loss. You can read the review and a summary report here http://www.hsric.nihr.ac.uk/topics/review-new-and-emerging-technologies-for-hearing-loss/
The review, carried out during 2016, identifies new and emerging technologies in clinical development for the management and reduction of the negative consequences of hearing loss.
It was done in response to priorities 5 and 6 from the Top 10 of unanswered questions chosen by patients, carers and clinicians taking part in the 2015 James Lind Alliance Mild to Moderate Hearing Loss Priority Setting Partnership:
Priority 5, Can new technologies replace hearing aids?
Priority 6, Can stem cell therapy offer a cure for mild to moderate hearing loss in adults?
The aim of this horizon scanning review was to identify technologies that are likely to 'emerge' in the UK in the next two to three years. The review identified technologies using a tailored search strategy and involved patients, clinicians and researchers in commenting on the level of innovation, user acceptability and likely benefits and barriers to use by patients, carers and the NHS.
More than 11 million, (approximately one in six) people in the UK are affected by hearing loss, the majority (92%) experiencing mild to moderate hearing loss. The likelihood of hearing loss increases with age, with more than 70% of 70 year-olds experiencing some form of hearing loss. Hearing loss is however, not uncommon in children; there are over 45,000 children in the UK who have a profound hearing loss.
The review identified 55 new technologies. Patients, clinicians and researchers highlighted the technologies of interest to them, which, if successful, would have the potential to change the cochlear implant landscape for patients, improve patient experience and use of hearing aids, and would affect service delivery and provision.