Background: Cochleotoxicity following the treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy is well documented. The potential for vestibulotoxicity is still unclear. This scoping review examined the extent of current research literature, summarized research findings and identified research gaps regarding vestibular-related adverse effects associated with platinum-based chemotherapy in survivors of cancer.Methods: Inclusion criteria followed the PICO principles: Participants, adult, and pediatric cancer patients of any cancer type; Intervention, platinum-based chemotherapy (such as cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin); Control, none or any; Outcomes, vestibular-related adverse effects. English language articles published since 1978 were retrieved. Seventy-five eligible studies were identified from a systematic literature search, and relevant data were charted, collated, and summarized.Results: Testing for vestibulotoxicity predominately featured functional evaluation of the horizontal semicircular canal using the caloric and rotational tests. The rate of abnormal vestibular function test results after chemotherapy administration varied from 0 to 50%. The results of objective testing did not always correspond to patient symptoms. There is tentative support for patients with pre-existing loss of vestibular function to be more likely to experience vestibular toxicity after dosing with cisplatin.Conclusions: A number of studies reported significant evidence of vestibular toxicities associated with platinum-based chemotherapy, especially cisplatin. This scoping review emphasizes that vestibular toxicity needs more attention and comprehensive evaluation. Specifically, studies that analyse cumulative dose of platinum-based chemotherapy, affected sites of lesion in vestibular end organs, and the correlation and temporal patterns of cochlear and vestibular toxicity are needed.

Objectives: To identify patient-reported barriers and facilitators to using smartphone-connected hearing aids, using the Behavior Change Wheel (BCW) to understand experiences and how these can be addressed.Design: A single-center, prospective, observational study. Eight hearing aid users (new = 1, existing = 7; mean age = 71.75 years, SD = 5.23, range = 65 to 81 years) were identified through convenience sampling from 44 participants who took part in a 7-week evaluation of smartphone-connected hearing aids controlled by a prototype app. The app allowed users to manually control settings such as gain, noise reduction, and microphone directionality, preset, and customized programmes. Participants were assigned to one of two focus groups following trial of the app.Results: Focus group transcripts were thematically analyzed and underpinned by the COM-B (Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior) model and Theoretical Domains Framework to identify barriers and facilitators to using smartphone-connected hearing aids (the target behavior). Mapping of themes to the BCW allowed use of the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy (version 1) to identify behavior change techniques that audiologists could implement in clinical practice to address the barriers and facilitators. Capability: The app increased participants' knowledge of hearing aid controls, encouraging use of the app for improved hearing loss self-management. However, barriers to using the app included perception of insufficient digital literacy skills for smartphone-connected hearing aid use and an increased cognitive load caused by decisions over which controls to use. Opportunity: Perceived smartphone norms (i.e., acceptable occasions to use smartphones) and differing listening contexts acted as both facilitators and barriers. Motivation: The ability to control hearing aid settings in any listening situation (e.g., to reduce noise) empowered users to successfully self-manage their hearing loss, leading to greater confidence and participation in everyday life. The app also reduced hearing aid-related and self-stigma, and the ability to selfadjust hearing aids benefitted both participants and communication partners. It was the adjustability and interaction afforded by the app that empowered users, rather than the hearing aid technology itself. Perceived beliefs and knowledge about digital literacy skills, and specifically abilities to use a smartphone, were perceived to be barriers in this typically older population, particularly when they compared themselves to younger generations. Using the Behavior Change Technique Taxonomy (version 1), behavior change techniques that could be used by audiologists to address these barriers included enablement, goal setting, reframing perceptions toward technology, and addressing patient educational needs.Conclusions: Smartphone-connected hearing aids, when used in their everyday lives, were viewed positively by participants across a range of domains, empowering them and enabling hearing loss self-management. Audiologists shoul...

Background Adults living with hearing loss have highly variable knowledge of hearing aids, resulting in suboptimal use or nonuse. This issue can be addressed by the provision of high-quality educational resources. Objective This study aims to assess the everyday experiences of first-time hearing aid users when using a newly developed, theoretically informed cocreated mobile health (mHealth) educational intervention called m2Hear. This intervention aims to deliver greater opportunities for individualization and interactivity compared with our previously developed multimedia intervention, C2Hear. Methods A total of 16 first-time hearing aid users trialed m2Hear for a period of 10-weeks in their everyday lives, after which individual semistructured interviews were completed. The data were analyzed using an established deductive thematic analysis procedure underpinned by the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior model. The model stipulates that to engage in a target behavior, an individual must have physical and psychological capability, physical and social opportunity, and automatic and reflective motivation. Results Capability—m2Hear was viewed as a concise and comprehensive resource, suitable for a range of digital literacy skills. It was stated that m2Hear could be conveniently reused to provide useful reminders that facilitate knowledge of hearing aids and communication. Opportunity—m2Hear was simple and straightforward to use, enabling greater individualization and independence. The availability of m2Hear via mobile technologies also improved accessibility. Motivation—m2Hear provided greater support and reassurance, improving confidence and empowering users to self-manage their hearing loss. Conclusions Overall, this qualitative study suggests that m2Hear supports first-time hearing aid users to successfully self-manage their hearing loss postfitting. Furthermore, this study demonstrates the utility of employing a combined theoretical and ecologically valid approach in the development of mHealth educational resources to meet the individual self-management needs of adults living with hearing loss. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03136718; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03136718