Comparative Efficacy of Earplug Usage Instruction

N/AEnrolling By InvitationNCT07731321

Sirinthorn Chanaveroj64 enrolled

Overview

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn whether video-based training or paper-based training is more effective at teaching correct earplug insertion technique, in hospital personnel at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital who work in noise-exposed areas (e.g. laundry and kitchen units), aged 20-60 years. The main questions it aims to answer are: 1. Which training method ,between video-based and paper-based instruction, produces better earplug insertion skill immediately after training? 2. Is any improvement in earplug insertion skill sustained at 1-week follow-up? Researchers will compare a video-based instruction group to a paper-based instruction group to see if one training format leads to better and more lasting earplug insertion skill, as measured by a standardized 20-point observational checklist. Participants will: * Undergo a baseline history and ear exam (otoscopy) and complete a demographic questionnaire . * Have their baseline earplug insertion skill assessed by a blinded observer Be randomly assigned to receive either a 5-minute video-based or paper-based instruction on proper earplug use . * Practice inserting earplugs and then be reassessed immediately after training * Return after 1 week for a follow-up assessment to test retention of the skill

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

OTHER

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Hearing Protection Device Use

Interventions

Video-Based Earplug InstructionBEHAVIORAL

A 3-minute narrated video demonstrating proper earplug insertion technique, covering hand hygiene, checking earplugs, proper rolling technique, ear canal opening, insertion method, adjustment, and verification of fit. Content is standardized and validated by content experts.

Paper-Based Earplug InstructionBEHAVIORAL

An illustrated step-by-step infographic with brief written instructions covering identical content to the video-based module (hand hygiene, earplug preparation, insertion technique, and fit verification), reviewed and validated by content experts.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 20 YearsMax age: 60 YearsHealthy volunteers:

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Personnel aged 20-60 years old who report regular works in areas perceived as noisy department * Personnel who works at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, during the year 2026. * Personel who is willing and able to participate in the study throughout its duration. Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals with active ear infections. * Individuals with ear canal stenosis that limit to insert the earplug. * Individuals with visual or auditory impairment that limit to read or see the instruction * Individuals who have limitation to use their hands to insert the ear plug.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

The primary outcome is earplug insertion skill, defined as the participant's ability to correctly perform earplug insertion ,using the Standardized Foam Earplug Insertion Checklist (SFEIC) .

The primary outcome is earplug insertion skill, defined as the participant's ability to correctly perform earplug insertion. Skill will be assessed using the Standardized Foam Earplug Insertion Checklist (SFEIC) , a standardized 20-point observational checklist (10 points per ear), covering key steps such as hand hygiene, earplug preparation, insertion technique, and fit verification. Each item is scored as correct (1 point) or incorrect (0 points), for a total score ranging from 0 (minimum) to 20 (maximum). Higher scores indicate better (more correct) earplug insertion technique. Participants will be asked to demonstrate earplug insertion, and performance will be evaluated by trained assessors blinded to group allocation.

Time frame: before the instruction , Immediately after the instruction and at 1 weeks post-intervention