Regular hearing screenings are especially important after certain cancer treatments, but follow-up appointments in clinics are not always easy to attend. Our study therefore explored whether hearing aid shops could offer a practical and accessible alternative for childhood cancer survivors. Early detection of hearing problems can support timely treatment and help maintain long-term quality of life.
Lay Summary of Philippa Jörger’s Study
What did we want to find out with our study?
In this study, we wanted to learn what childhood cancer survivors think about a new type of hearing screening offered in hearing aid shops. Hearing loss can be a late effect of some cancer treatments, including certain chemotherapy or radiotherapy to the head. Regular screening is important, but it is not always easy to attend follow-up appointments at hospitals or clinics. We therefore explored whether hearing aid shops could be a more convenient option.
Why is this important?
Good hearing is essential for daily life—whether it’s talking with friends, working, or enjoying music. If hearing problems are detected early, survivors can benefit from hearing aids, speech therapy, or other support. Making screening available in accessible and welcoming locations might help more survivors keep track of their hearing.
What did we exactly do?
We invited childhood cancer survivors to complete a hearing test at a hearing aid shop instead of at a clinic. Afterwards, we interviewed 29 participants to hear about their experiences and opinions. We then analyzed their answers to understand what they appreciated and what could be improved.
What did we find out and what does this mean?
Survivors liked that the program was easy to access and that the hearing aid shops felt friendly and welcoming. However, some found it inconvenient to schedule an extra appointment outside their usual medical visits. While many valued the friendly, personal atmosphere of the shops, others preferred tests with a physician where they can give immediate advice if hearing loss is detected.
Offering hearing tests in hearing aid shops could make follow-up care easier and more comfortable for childhood cancer survivors, especially for those who find hospitals and clinics stressful or hard to reach. With the feedback from survivors, we now want to explore further what role hearing aid shops can play in long-term hearing care after childhood cancer.
Further information:
Reference: Jörger P, Nigg C, Schreck L, Schindera C, Fessler K, Waespe N, Tomášiková Z, Ansari M, Frahsa A, Kuehni CE. Preprint: Hearing screening beyond the clinic: Childhood cancer survivors’ perspectives of a novel hearing screening program. medRxiv. 2025
You can find the full article in English here.
Kontakt:
Philippa Jörger (philippa.joerger@unibe.ch)
Claudia Kuehni (claudia.kuehni@unibe.ch)
Here you can download the lay summary: