What is the best treatment option for patients with severe hearing loss—hearing aids or a cochlear implant? The COACH study aims to find out.
Researchers at the Nottingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC) and the University of Nottingham in the UK have launched a new study, sponsored by the University of Nottingham, in search of the most effective treatment for people with severe hearing loss globally. The study will examine treatment efficacy is adults with hearing loss greater than 65 dBHL. When complete, the results of this study could significantly impact the way patients with severe hearing loss are treated around the world.
The COACH study (comparing cochlear implantation versus hearing aids in adults with severe hearing loss) began in December 2021. Patients participating in the study have hearing test results and speech understanding scores that fall just outside the range that would make them cochlear implant eligible with the NHS. Cochlear, a global manufacture of implantable hearing devices, is funding the costs, but the trial is being run independently by NHS physicians and audiologists, in addition to researchers from the Nottingham BRC and the University of Nottingham.
The Hearing Journal will publish an update after the COACH study has concluded and results are analysed.
