Remote technologies to enhance service delivery for adults: clinical research perspectives

There are many examples of remote technologies that are clinically-effective, and provide numerous benefits to adults with hearing loss. Despite this, the uptake of remote technologies for hearing healthcare has been both low and slow until the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has been a key driver for change globally. The time is now right to take advantage of the many benefits that remote technologies offer, either through clinical, consumer or hybrid services and channels. These include greater access and choice, and better interactivity, engagement and tailoring of technologies to individual needs, leading to clients who are better informed, enabled and empowered to self-manage their hearing loss. This article provides an overview of the clinical research evidence-base across a range of remote technologies along the hearing health journey. This includes qualitative, as well as quantitative, methods to ensure the end-users’ voice is at the core of the research, thereby promoting person-centred principles. Most of these remote technologies are available and some are already in use, albeit not widespread. Finally, whenever new technologies or processes are implemented into services, be they clinical, hybrid or consumer, careful consideration needs to be given to the required behaviour change of the key people (e.g. clients and providers) to facilitate and optimise implementation.