Comparing experiences of over-the-counter and audiologist-fitted hearing aids
Official title: Barriers and Facilitators to OTC Hearing Aids Success
Run by University of Iowa · NCT06499805 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss feel about using over-the-counter hearing aids compared to those fitted by an audiologist to see which option works better for their hearing and quality of life.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 89 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Iowa Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Iowa City, Iowa and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 15, 2025 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2029 |
| Study ends | April 1, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | November 2, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06499805 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults with perceived bilateral mild-to-moderate hearing loss who have no previous experience with hearing aids.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who are non-native English speakers may not benefit from this study due to language barriers in understanding the self-diagnosis and fitting process.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the experiences of individuals with mild-to-moderate hearing loss who choose between over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids and traditional audiologist-fitted hearing aids. Participants will self-diagnose and fit their OTC hearing aids or receive professional fitting through the AUD pathway. The study will track their outcomes over a 12-month period to understand the long-term effects of each approach on their quality of life and hearing capabilities. Conducted at two sites in Iowa City, IA, and Nashville, TN, the study aims to provide insights into the accessibility and effectiveness of OTC hearing aids.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance accessibility to hearing aids, leading to improved hearing and quality of life for individuals with hearing loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown the feasibility of self-fitting hearing aids, but this study aims to provide new insights into the long-term impact of OTC hearing aids compared to traditional methods.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * adult-onset, perceived bilateral mild-to-moderate hearing loss * no previous hearing aid experience Exclusion Criteria: * Non-native speaker of English
Where it's running
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, United States Recruiting -
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Nashville, Tennessee, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Yu-Hsiang Wu, PhD — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Yu-Hsiang Wu, PhD
- Email: yu-hsiang-wu@uiowa.edu
- Phone: 319-335-8728
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Long-term hearing and speech outcomes after cochlear implants
This project will see if cochlear implants improve hearing, speech understanding, and quality of life in Mandarin-speaking patients of all ages before and after surgery.
-
Comparing domestic and imported hearing aids for age-related hearing loss
This study is testing whether hearing aids made in the U.S. work better than imported ones for older adults with age-related hearing loss.
-
Gene therapy for hearing loss caused by OTOF gene mutations
This study is testing a new gene therapy to see if it can help children with hearing loss caused by OTOF gene mutations hear better.
-
Using robotics and electrocochleography for cochlear implant surgery
This study is testing if using a robotic system during cochlear implant surgery can help improve outcomes for people with hearing loss.
-
Understanding listening effort in cochlear implant users
This study tests how much effort people with cochlear implants need to understand speech compared to those with normal hearing, using speech tests and measuring pupil size to see how hard they are working to listen.
-
Comparing two surgical methods for cochlear implants
This study is testing which of two surgical methods for cochlear implants helps adults with severe hearing loss keep their natural hearing and improves their overall sound experience.
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.