3D-printed versus conventional hearing-aid ear tips for comfort and fit

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

Adults with bilateral, symmetric sensorineural hearing loss will be fitted with behind-the-ear (BTE) hearing aids using either 3D-printed or conventional ear tips and followed over a prolonged period. Participants will experience different ear-tip types so researchers can compare perceived sound quality, comfort, and fit using standard subjective and objective measures. The study will also record the manufacturing time and direct costs for each ear-tip method. Results will be used to compare user experience and resource implications between 3D-printed and standard ear tips.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Bilateral, symmetric, sensorineural hearing loss, with thresholds between normal and severe degree of hearing loss
* Normal otoscopy: patent ear canals with normal appearing eardrums and aerated middle ear, bilaterally.
* English speaking.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Self reported history of extensive or current outer or middle ear pathology.
* Self reported history of extensive outer or middle ear surgery.
* Self reported history of neurological or cognitive disorder.
* Active ear infection

Where it's running

• The University of Arizona Hearing Clinic
  Tucson, Arizona, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Bryan Wong, AuD, PhD
• Email: bryanwong@arizona.edu
• Phone: 16025270359

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.