Assessing Pharmacy Technician Educational Training for the Provision of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids in Rural Alabama and Mississippi Pharmacies
Launched by UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA, TUSCALOOSA · Mar 3, 2025
Trial Information
Current as of August 22, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
This clinical trial is exploring how to train pharmacy technicians in rural Alabama and Mississippi to help people with mild to moderate hearing loss by providing over-the-counter hearing aids. The goal is to improve access to hearing healthcare, especially in areas where it’s hard to see specialists like audiologists. With new rules allowing these hearing aids to be sold without a prescription, pharmacies can play a crucial role in helping those who need them. The trial will assess how effective the training is for pharmacy technicians and how satisfied patients are with the care they receive.
To participate, pharmacy technicians must be licensed and working in rural areas of Alabama or Mississippi. Adults aged 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing loss who also live in these rural communities can join the study. Participants can expect to receive assistance from trained pharmacy technicians who will help them understand and use their new hearing aids. This trial aims to create a sustainable way to provide hearing healthcare, which could significantly improve the quality of life for many people living with hearing loss in rural areas.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • 1. Pharmacy technicians licensed to practice in the state of Alabama or Mississippi.
- • 2. Pharmacy technicians who practice in rural communities of Alabama and Mississippi.
- • 3. Adults 18 years of age with mild to moderate hearing loss and who live in rural communities of Alabama or Mississippi.
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • 1. Pharmacy technicians with hearing loss who could have prior understanding of care for those with hearing loss will not be included in the study.
- • 2. Adults 18 years of age or older with typical hearing will not be included in the study.
- • 3. Adults with hearing loss who live in urban areas of Alabama and Mississippi will not be included in the study.
- • 4. Participants will be excluded if they have any medical condition resulting in cognitive impairment that results in an inability to complete the study tasks (e.g., mental health condition, stroke, head injury, dementia, or Alzheimer's disease)
About University Of Alabama, Tuscaloosa
The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, is a leading academic institution dedicated to advancing research and innovation in various fields, including medicine and healthcare. As a clinical trial sponsor, the university leverages its extensive resources, expert faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities to conduct rigorous research that aims to enhance patient care and contribute to medical knowledge. The university fosters collaboration among interdisciplinary teams, ensuring a comprehensive approach to clinical research that prioritizes participant safety and ethical standards. Through its commitment to excellence, the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, plays a pivotal role in translating scientific discoveries into effective clinical practices.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
Tuscaloosa, Alabama, United States
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Marcia J Hay-McCutcheon, PhD
Principal Investigator
The University of Alabama
Lucas Berenbrok, PharmD
Principal Investigator
University of Pittsburgh
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported