The Memphis SOUND Project: The Development of a Community-Based Research Project to Address Hearing Health Disparities Among Black Adults Who Qualify for Cochlear Implants

Otol Neurotol. 2024 Dec 1;45(10):e710-e718. doi: 10.1097/MAO.0000000000004322.

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this article is to introduce the concept of community-based participatory research as a means to understand barriers to cochlear implant access racially minoritized populations.

Background: Black adults living in the United States experience unique barriers to cochlear implantation. Community-based research approaches can be used to understand and address these barriers.

Application: The Memphis SOUND Project is a community-based research initiative that seeks to address hearing health disparities by examining utilization of hearing healthcare among Black adults. Preliminary findings introduce motivators and barriers related to CI intervention in this population.

Conclusion: This Memphis SOUND Project provides valuable insights to the benefits of community-based research in understanding and addressing CI utilization disparities.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Black or African American*
  • Cochlear Implantation*
  • Cochlear Implants*
  • Community-Based Participatory Research*
  • Female
  • Health Services Accessibility
  • Healthcare Disparities*
  • Hearing Loss / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • United States