Hearing loss researchers work with GPs to change clinical practice

Southampton researchers have worked with local GP practices to ensure patients with sudden unexplained hearing loss receive the best possible treatment. 

A research team at University Hospital Southampton (UHS) contacted local GP practices after discovering many patients were not eligible to take part in their trial.

Working together, this is now locally changing clinical practice. This is helping to ensure all patients with the condition receive the best possible care.

It also means that more patients can now take part in the trial.

Finding the best treatment

The STARFISH trial is investigating the most effective way to give steroid treatments for sudden unexplained hearing loss.

Currently, NHS patients with this condition may be prescribed steroid tablets, steroid injections or a combination of both. This trial aims to see which treatment is most effective.

To take part in STARFISH, patients with the condition must not already be taking a steroid treatment.

However, the research team found that many people who wanted to take part could not do so. This was because they had already been prescribed a steroid treatment by their GP.

Changing clinical practice

The research team set out to raise awareness of current guidelines from the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NICE).

These recommend that people with sudden unexplained hearing loss do not take steroids before being treated at a hospital.

The research team proactively engaged with local GP surgeries to raise awareness of these guidelines. This has now changed standard practice at these surgeries.

Since these changes, the research team recruited their first participants within weeks. The collaboration is therefore driving better care for patients, both now and in the future.

Dr Rohan Vithlani, Southampton study lead, said: “I want to share a huge thank you to our hospital’s teams for their outstanding collaboration and commitment to this study.

“The progress reflects exceptional multidisciplinary teamwork, driven by strong communication, shared problem‑solving and dedication to patient‑centred research.”