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Hearing Assistance for Veterans in Emergency Departments

This study, called HearVA, is looking at whether providing personal amplifiers (PockeTalkers) to Veterans with hearing difficulties in VA emergency departments (EDs) can improve their experience. Researchers want to see if these devices help you hear better, understand discharge instructions more clearly, and reduce the chance of needing to return to the ED within a short time (3 or 30 days). You might be able to join if you are 60 or older, speak English, have a medium to low emergency severity, and have some self-reported hearing difficulty. The study is currently unclear about its recruitment status, but it aims to enroll 1050 participants.

Study design
This is an interventional study comparing two groups: one receiving personal amplifiers and one not. It is a randomized controlled trial, meaning participants are randomly assigned to a group.
What's involved
Participants in the intervention group will receive personal amplifiers (PockeTalkers) while they receive care in the ED.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
The study will track whether you return to the ED within 3-5 days after your initial visit.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT05028972

Hearing Impairment, Strategies and Outcomes in VA Emergency Departments

Recruiting
NAAges 60+InterventionalTreatment
VA Office of Research and Development
~1,050 participants
Updated 2025-10-21 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Personal AmplifierNo Personal Amplifier

At a glance

Recruiting sites
4 of 6 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
ED 3-day Readmissions
Measured over 3-5 days after initial ED stay

Conditions

Hearing Loss
Emergency Service
Hospital Readmission

Explore related trials

Hearing Loss

Where it's being run

6 sites across 4 states
New York3
Colorado1
North Carolina1
Texas1

Study leadership

  • Joshua Chodosh, MD MSHS · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, New York, NY

Who to contact

Joshua Chodosh, MD MSHS
[email protected]
(310) 478-3711 · ext. 48491
Email the study team

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Do you actually qualify for this trial?

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Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

English speaking
Emergency severity index criterion of 3 (medium), 4, or 5 (low acuity)
Hearing Handicap Inventory-Screen greater than or equal to 10 or positive answer to a single-item screening question
Capacity to consent to participate in research

Exclusion

Inability to consent to participate in research
Emergency severity index criterion of 1-2 (high acuity)
Hearing Handicap Inventory-Screen less than 10 and negative answer to single item screening question
Inability to speak English
Using cochlear implants

What this trial measures

  • ED 3-day Readmissions3-5 days after initial ED stay

    The Investigators will determine whether patients have had an ED revisit within three days through CPRS review as well as a brief follow-up phone call 3-5 days after ED discharge