Self-Fit vs. Professional-Fit Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Area of Science:

• Audiology
• Hearing Healthcare Technology

Background:

• Over-the-counter hearing aids (OTC HAs) are available for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss (HL) without professional consultation.
• Limited research exists comparing the efficacy of OTC HAs to professionally fitted devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of self-fitted versus professionally fitted OTC HAs.
• To investigate how factors like age, sex, technology proficiency, HL severity, and prior HA use influence fitting outcomes.

Main Methods:

• 71 adults with mild-to-moderate sensorineural HL were randomized into self-fit or professional-fit groups using OTC HAs.
• Participants underwent fitting, 1-month usage, and outcome validation using standardized tests (QuickSIN, APHAB, SSQ12) and acoustic measures (REAG/O).

Main Results:

• The professional-fit group demonstrated significantly higher Real-Ear Aided Gain and Output (REAG/O) at 2000 Hz, particularly in older individuals, those with greater HL, or higher tech proficiency.
• No significant differences in aided benefit were observed between groups for QuickSIN, APHAB, or SSQ12.
• The professional-fit group showed greater perceived benefit on APHAB and SSQ12, with this benefit decreasing with age.

Conclusions:

• OTC hearing aids can be a viable option for individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
• Professional guidance can enhance the OTC HA fitting process, potentially leading to more acoustically appropriate amplification.