A Feasibility Study Evaluating a Community Health Worker Training Program to Support Adults With Hearing Loss in Rural Alabama Communities

Authors: Marcia J Hay-McCutcheon, Abigail Hubbard, Emma B Brothers, Laura Thrasher, Claudia Hardy, Xin Yang, Rebecca S Allen

This study looked at whether training community health workers (CHWs) could help adults with hearing loss in rural Alabama. Eighteen CHWs got a 3-day training, practiced their skills, and took quizzes and surveys before and after the training. A follow-up session was held 15 months later. Results showed CHWs improved in knowledge and confidence, especially after practicing in real-life situations. They scored better than a control group that didn’t get the same training. The study shows that CHW training can help improve hearing care in communities that often lack access to these services.