Consensus on connected hearing health technologies and service delivery models in the UK: a Delphi review

Abstract

Objective To develop a consensus among hearing healthcare professionals in the UK on connected hearing health technologies and service delivery models. Design A three-round, electronic Delphi review was developed using a participatory-design approach. This included ten open-ended questions (round one) that informed 69 Likert-scaled statements (rounds two and three). Study sample An expert panel of 34 hearing health professionals representing all geographic regions of the UK from either the publicly funded National Health Service (n = 22) or independent sector (n = 12). Results The majority of statements (61%) showed ≥80% consensus, highlighting that there was broad agreement amongst professionals on connected hearing health technologies. For example, there was consensus that adults who report communication difficulties and have no medical contraindications would be ideal candidates. Furthermore, it was unanimously agreed that connected technologies could result in delays in diagnosis of treatable medical conditions, as well as result in inadequate amplification. Overall, the expert panel concurred that connected technologies could serve as “gateway products” that lead to earlier hearing aid uptake. Conclusions This Delphi review identified overarching areas of agreement that may serve as a blueprint for future implementation of connected hearing health technologies through either conventional or new service delivery models in the UK.