HearEase — a phone guide to decide if over-the-counter hearing aids are right for you
HearEase: A Candidacy Tool for Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
A mobile decision tool to help adults 18+ figure out whether over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids might help their hearing problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Amherst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hadley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11059150 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I have trouble hearing, the team will build an interactive mobile app called HearEase that walks me through clear questions, brief hearing checks, and tailored guidance before I buy OTC hearing aids. They will design the tool using consumer feedback and prior lab findings that show people often miss or only see product labels after purchase. The app will be pilot-tested with adult users and refined to present candidacy information earlier in the shopping process. The goal is to make it easier and less risky for people to decide whether OTC hearing aids are a suitable first option.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults aged 18 and older who notice hearing difficulties and are thinking about buying over-the-counter hearing aids.
Not a fit: People under 18, anyone with suspected severe or sudden hearing loss, or those who need medical or surgical ear care are unlikely to benefit from this tool.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could help more adults with untreated hearing loss make informed choices about OTC hearing aids and reduce delays to getting help.
How similar studies have performed: Mobile decision aids have helped with other consumer health choices, but applying one specifically to OTC hearing aid candidacy is relatively new with limited prior evidence.
Where this research is happening
Hadley, United States
- University of Massachusetts Amherst — Hadley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Singh, Jasleen — University of Massachusetts Amherst
- Study coordinator: Singh, Jasleen
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.