3D-printed versus standard hearing-aid ear tips for comfort, fit, and sound
Official title: Effectiveness Comparison of 3D-Printed and Conventional Ear Tip Comfort in Individuals With Hearing in the Normal Range
Run by University of Arizona · NCT07216937 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will test whether 3D-printed hearing-aid ear tips work as well as or better than standard ear tips for adults with normal hearing.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Arizona Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Tucson, Arizona) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 7, 2025 |
| Main results expected | May 20, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 14, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 1, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07216937 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults with normal hearing thresholds, normal otoscopy, and English fluency who have no history of significant outer or middle ear disease are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with active or extensive outer or middle ear pathology, prior extensive ear surgery, cognitive or neurological disorders, or those with hearing loss may not benefit from the results.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with normal hearing and healthy ear exams will try behind-the-ear hearing aids fitted with either 3D-printed or conventional ear tips during clinic visits. Researchers will compare sound quality, comfort, and fit using participant ratings and routine acoustic checks. The study will also record how long each method takes to produce and the associated costs. All testing takes place at the University of Arizona Hearing Clinic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, 3D-printed ear tips could lower costs and shorten wait times for comfortable, well-fitting hearing-aid fittings.
How similar studies have gone: Small-scale work and commercial use have shown 3D printing can produce accurate earmolds, but direct head-to-head comparisons of comfort and sound quality are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Normal hearing thresholds (\<25 dB HL) at octave frequencies from 250-8000Hz. * Normal otoscopy: patent ear canals with normal appearing eardrums and aerated middle ear, bilaterally. * English speaking. Exclusion Criteria: * history of extensive or current outer or middle ear pathology. * history of extensive outer or middle ear surgery. * history of neurological or cognitive disorder.
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: 520-626-8549
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.