Effectiveness Trial to Examine Service Delivery Models for Over-the-Counter and Prescription Hearing Aids

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying different ways to provide over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids compared to traditional prescription hearing aids fitted by specialists for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. The goal is to understand how each hearing aid option affects users' hearing experiences, behavior, thinking skills, and brain activity. The study also looks at which people prefer each type, what helps or hinders their choices, and compares the costs of four service delivery models. This information aims to help healthcare providers and policymakers apply research findings in real-world settings. The study compares four groups: prescription hearing aids fitted by hearing care professionals using best audiology practices, OTC hearing aids fitted by professionals in person, OTC hearing aids fitted via remote consultation, and self-fit OTC hearing aids without clinical support. This is a randomized controlled trial with repeated measures over time to assess the different service models. Participants aged 40 and older with mild to moderate hearing loss will join the study and be randomly assigned to one of the four groups. They will be evaluated at the start, then again at 6 months and 12 months after intervention using questionnaires and hearing tests. Researchers will measure hearing aid benefits, satisfaction, hearing difficulties, speech comprehension, and overall impression of change. The study will last at least one year, with ongoing monitoring of participants' hearing outcomes and experiences.

Innovations in Hearing Accessibility and Technology (IHAT) Study