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Usability and Performance of Self-Fitting Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
Megan Knoetze1, Vinaya Manchaiah1, De Wet Swanepoel1
1*Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa.
Journal of the American Academy of Audiology
|February 11, 2025
Summary
This study compared six self-fitting over-the-counter (OTC-SF) hearing aids for usability and performance in adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. While speech-in-noise benefits were similar, variations in fitting time and sound quality were observed across devices.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Hearing Health Technology
- Consumer Health
Background:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids offer a potential solution for improving access to hearing healthcare.
- Self-fitting (SF) OTC hearing aids empower individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss to manage their hearing independently.
- Evaluating the usability and performance of these devices is crucial for consumer guidance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the usability and performance of various self-fitting over-the-counter (OTC-SF) hearing aids.
- To assess factors such as fitting time, user knowledge, ease of use, sound quality, and speech-in-noise benefit.
- To provide data supporting consumer decisions and healthcare professional recommendations.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study evaluated six different OTC-SF hearing aids.
- Forty-three adults with self-perceived mild-to-moderate hearing difficulties participated.
- Usability was measured by fitting time, hearing aid skills and knowledge (HASK), and standardized questionnaires. Performance was assessed using sound quality judgments and speech-in-noise tests.
Main Results:
- Fitting times varied significantly, from 14.4 minutes (HP Hearing PRO) to 27.1 minutes (Lexie Lumen).
- Sound quality ratings differed notably between devices, with Lexie B2 scoring highest and HP Hearing PRO lowest.
- No significant differences were found in speech-in-noise benefit or overall self-reported ease of use across the tested OTC-SF hearing aids.
Conclusions:
- While OTC-SF hearing aids show similar speech-in-noise benefits, significant variations exist in fitting time and sound quality.
- Consumer-facing metrics like ease of self-fitting and overall usability were comparable across devices.
- Further research is needed on long-term usability and selection processes for OTC-SF hearing aids to aid consumers and professionals.
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