Different ways to get over-the-counter hearing aids
Emerging Service Delivery Models for Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids: A Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation Trial
This project compares three ways adults with age-related hearing loss can obtain and use over-the-counter hearing aids to learn which approach helps people hear better and keep using the devices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11324516 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you join, you'll be assigned to one of three ways to get an over-the-counter hearing aid: fitted in person by a hearing professional, fitted remotely with professional support, or self-fit without clinical help. You'll use the device and the team will follow your hearing benefit, how much you wear it, satisfaction, and costs over time. The study also looks at how easy each approach is to offer in real-world clinics and what barriers people face. Results are intended to show which options work best for people like you.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 21 and older with age-related hearing loss who are willing to try an over-the-counter hearing aid are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People with severe or complex hearing loss who need prescription devices or specialized care, and those unwilling to use or learn device technology, may not benefit from these approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make hearing aids easier and cheaper to get and help more people improve communication and daily life.
How similar studies have performed: Smaller trials and early implementation projects suggest professional fitting and remote support can help, but head-to-head comparisons of all OTC delivery models are still limited.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Manchaiah, Vinaya — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Manchaiah, Vinaya
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.