AI-assisted Diagnosis, Triage and Assessment of Hearing Loss and Tinnitus
This study is exploring how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help assess and manage hearing loss and tinnitus. Around 11 million people in the UK have hearing loss, and 7 million experience tinnitus, both of which can really affect daily life. There are often long waiting times to see specialists. Doctors in Cornwall already run a successful online clinic for these conditions, but they still need to review every case. This new study is trialling an AI tool to support doctors by making recommendations, like suggesting if someone needs a follow-up or can be managed with advice. The goal is to see if the AI can help doctors make decisions more efficiently and consistently, speeding up access to care for more people.
At a glance
What is this study about?
Imagine a world where getting help for hearing loss or tinnitus is quicker and easier. That's what this study is all about. Hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) are very common in the UK, affecting millions of people. These conditions can sometimes make daily life tough and even impact mental health.
Currently, it can take a long time to see a specialist doctor for these issues. To help with this, a special online clinic has been set up at Royal Cornwall Hospitals. In this clinic, patients have a hearing test and fill out online questionnaires. Doctors then look at all this information to decide the best next step, which could be anything from giving advice, to ordering more tests, or arranging a face-to-face appointment.
While this online clinic has already helped many people and reduced waiting times, doctors still need to review every single case. This new study is taking things a step further by introducing Artificial Intelligence (AI) – clever computer programs – to help with this process. The AI will learn from past cases to suggest what might be the best next step for a patient, just like a doctor would. Don't worry, a doctor will always make the final decision. This study simply wants to see how well the AI's suggestions match what the doctors would recommend, with the aim of helping lighten the load for doctors and speed up care for patients in the future.
Key takeaways
- AI is being explored to speed up diagnosis and help manage hearing loss and tinnitus.
- Millions in the UK are affected by these conditions, often facing long waits for specialist care.
- A doctor will always make the final decisions about your care, even with AI support.
- The AI tool aims to help doctors, not replace them, by making assessments more efficient.
- If successful, this could reduce waiting times and improve access to care for many.
- Your patient information is kept safe and private during this research.
Who may be eligible?
To be part of this study, you would need to be an adult (18 years or older) who has been assessed in the virtual hearing loss and tinnitus clinic at Royal Cornwall Hospitals. You would need to have symptoms of hearing loss, tinnitus, or both.
It's important that you are able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part. Also, if English isn't your first language, we need to be able to arrange for a translator to ensure you can understand everything.
This study is not for those under 18 or anyone who cannot fully understand and agree to take part. Also, if there isn't enough information from your clinic visit, or if the data isn't clear enough, your case might not be included in the study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you 18 years old or older?
- Have you been seen in the virtual hearing loss/tinnitus clinic at Royal Cornwall Hospitals?
- Do you have symptoms of hearing loss or tinnitus?
- Can you understand information about the study and agree to take part?
- Is English your main language, or can a translator be arranged if not?
What does participation involve?
As this involves an AI tool learning from past information, patients are not actively recruited to 'take part' in the traditional sense. Instead, the study uses information already collected from patients who attended the virtual hearing loss and tinnitus clinic at Royal Cornwall Hospitals and who agreed for their data to be used for research. You would not have extra appointments, tests, or medication as part of this study. Your medical care would continue as normal, and a doctor would always make the final decisions about your treatment, regardless of what the AI might suggest. There is no set "duration" for individual patient participation, as data is analysed from existing records.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- Treliske HospitalVerified postcodeTruro, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is AI?
AI stands for Artificial Intelligence, which means computer programs that are designed to think, learn, and make decisions, similar to how people do.
Will a computer decide my treatment?
No, absolutely not. A doctor will always make the final decisions about your care. The AI tool is only there to help and support doctors with their assessments.
Is my personal information safe?
Yes, great care is taken to protect your privacy. The study uses existing, anonymised information, meaning your name and other identifying details are removed.
What is the main goal of this study?
The main goal is to see if AI can help doctors manage hearing loss and tinnitus cases more efficiently, which could lead to shorter waiting times and faster access to care for patients.
Do I need to do anything to be part of this study?
No, you don't need to do anything extra. This study uses information from patients who have already been seen in the online clinic and have agreed for their health information to be used for research.
How to find out more
Neil C Tan, MEd PhD FRCS(ORL-HNS)
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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