Hearing screening beyond the clinic: Childhood cancer survivors’ perspectives on a novel hearing screening program

PURPOSE: Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at risk for late effects including hearing loss due to ototoxic treatments. It is crucial to detect late effects like hearing loss early, but many adult CCS do not attend recommended follow-up care due to barriers such as accessibility and emotional concerns associated with revisiting medical facilities. To address those barriers, the HEAR-study piloted a new hearing screening program leveraging the extensive network of hearing aid shops across Switzerland. This study explored perspectives of CCS on this novel screening program. METHODS: We conducted semistructured interviews with 29 participants who completed pure-tone audiometric screening at a hearing aid shop as part of the HEAR-study. We used thematic analysis of interview transcripts, supported by MAXQDA for data analysis. RESULTS: Thematic analysis revealed two key themes: First, participants appreciated the program's practicality, highlighting its efficiency and ease of integration into daily life. However, some noted concerns about the hearing test being an additional appointment. Some preferred centrally organized follow-up care, where different examinations are done at the same location within the same day. Second, participants valued the personal and approachable environment in hearing aid shops as a relaxed alternative to medical facilities, but some participants preferred hearing tests as part of an appointment with physicians, valuing immediate advice and contextual knowledge, especially in case hearing loss was found. CONCLUSIONS: From the perspectives of CCS, this screening program shows promise as a practicable, accessible way to evaluate hearing after childhood cancer. Further evaluation from the perspectives of health care providers is needed to comprehensibly assess its feasibility. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov "NCT06036407", Registration date: 28.8.2023.