Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 18, 2026
06:04
Systematic Hearing Performance Evaluation Process for Adolescents with Cochlear Implantation at Early Ages
Published on: March 24, 2023
Effectiveness of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Versus Professionally Fitted Devices: A Systematic Review and
Karina C De Sousa1,2, Ibrahim Almufarrij3,4, Megan Kruger1,2
1Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa.
Summary
Self-fitting over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids show comparable outcomes to professionally fitted devices, based on patient-reported benefits. Further independent trials are recommended to confirm these findings for hearing aid effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Audiology
- Hearing Health
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids offer a new avenue for hearing loss management.
- Self-fitting technology aims to increase accessibility to hearing solutions.
- Direct comparison with traditional, professionally fitted devices is crucial for understanding their clinical utility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the clinical effectiveness of self-fitting OTC hearing aids versus professionally fitted devices.
- To compare patient-reported outcomes and objective measures between self-fitting and professional hearing aid fittings.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search across major databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) and regulatory (FDA) and clinical trial registries.
- Screening and risk-of-bias assessment by two independent reviewers.
- Random-effects meta-analysis using Hedges' g to pool data from eligible field trials comparing self-fitting OTC and audiologist-fitted hearing aids.
Main Results:
- Twenty-four records representing 15 studies with 774 participants were included.
- No significant differences were found in patient-reported outcomes (Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit, Speech, Spatial and Qualities of Hearing Scale - 12, International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids) or objective tests (Quick Speech-in-Noise).
- Risk of bias was moderate to high, with low certainty of evidence.
Conclusions:
- Self-fitting OTC hearing aids demonstrate comparable outcomes to professionally fitted devices, primarily based on patient-reported measures.
- The current evidence base has limitations including moderate to high risk of bias and low certainty.
- Larger, independent trials within standard clinical pathways are needed to validate these findings and guide clinical practice.
