Many childhood cancer survivors do not attend regular hearing check-ups, although certain treatments can affect hearing in the long term. Our study therefore explored whether free hearing tests in hearing aid shops could provide a practical alternative to follow-up care in clinics. Hearing loss can often be treated successfully when detected early through accessible and convenient screening opportunities.
Lay Summary of Philippa Jörger’s Study
What did we want to find out with our study?
Some treatments for childhood cancer can affect hearing. Detecting this early is important, but many survivors do not attend regular hospital screenings, as appointments can feel stressful or difficult to organize. In the HEAR study, we tested a new idea: offering free hearing tests in hearing aid shops across Switzerland. We wanted to see if this approach works in practice.
Why is this important?
Hearing loss can be managed if detected early, for example with hearing aids. Making tests available in accessible, community locations may help survivors monitor their hearing and get the support they need.
What did we exactly do?
We invited adult survivors of childhood cancer to a free hearing test at a hearing aid shop. Afterwards, we asked survivors, hearing aid shop staff, and doctors about their opinions. We evaluated the approach using both questionnaires and interviews.
What did we find out and what does this mean?
One in five survivors who took part had relevant hearing loss, and some started using hearing aids. Most survivors and doctors welcomed the idea of testing in hearing aid shops. Survivors liked the easy access, while doctors saw this as a useful addition to hospital-based follow-up care.
Our study shows that hearing tests in hearing aid shops are both practical and well accepted. This community-based option could especially help survivors who no longer attend regular hospital follow-up or prefer to avoid clinics.
Further information:
Reference: Jörger P, Nigg C, Schindera C, Žarković M, Sommer G, Kompis M, Frahsa A, Waespe N, Ansari M, Kuehni CE. Evaluation of a new, community-based screening program to detect hearing loss in adult childhood cancer survivors in Switzerland – Findings from the HEAR study. PBC. 2026
You can find the full article in English here.
Contact:
Philippa Jörger (philippa.joerger@unibe.ch)
Claudia Kuehni (claudia.kuehni@unibe.ch)
Here you can download the lay summary: