JAMA Study: Professionally Fitted Hearing Aids Outperform OTC Models, Though OTC Still Benefits Many Users

Summary

A randomized clinical trial published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery by researchers from the University of Iowa and Vanderbilt University found that hearing aids fitted by audiologists using best-practice prescription methods delivered better real-world outcomes for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss compared to simulated over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid models. However, the study also noted that OTC devices still provided generally positive results for many users, suggesting both options have value depending on individual needs and access to professional care.