School Screening and Telemedicine Specialty Referral to Address Childhood Hearing Loss in Rural Alaska

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS · Oct 20, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a new way to help children in rural Alaska who may have hearing loss. It aims to improve the follow-up care for kids who fail initial hearing screenings at school. The trial will test a program called STAR, which uses telemedicine to connect families directly with hearing specialists, making it easier for them to get the care they need. The researchers will be working with schools in three areas—Kodiak, Petersburg, and Lower Yukon—over three academic years, from 2023 to 2026.

Children from kindergarten through 12th grade who are enrolled in the participating schools are eligible to join the trial. No matter their age, gender, or background, any student who is screened for hearing issues at school can take part. If your child is included, they will first have an enhanced hearing screening at school, and then, if needed, they will be referred to a specialist through the STAR program. This approach aims to ensure that more children receive the follow-up care they need, helping to prevent long-term problems related to hearing loss.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Enrolled in one of the participating schools in the 3 regions
• • Children from grades (K-12) that are typically screened within participating schools
• • Eligible regardless of age, gender, race, or ethnicity
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • N/A