Gain Analysis of Self-Fitting Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids: A Comparative and Longitudinal Analysis.

IF 1.8 Q1 AUDIOLOGY & SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY Audiology Research Pub Date : 2025-02-13 DOI:10.3390/audiolres15010017

Megan Knoetze, Vinaya Manchaiah, Kayla Cormier, Carly Schimmel, Anu Sharma, De Wet Swanepoel

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Abstract

Objectives: To investigate the gain provided by self-fitting over-the-counter (SF-OTC) hearing aids compared to clinical NAL-NL2 targets, the differences between various FDA-approved SF-OTC devices, and potential changes in gain over time.

Methods: Two experiments were conducted: (1) a cross-sectional comparison of six SF-OTC hearing aids (n = 43) and (2) a longitudinal evaluation of gain within five days of self-fitting and four additional time points (n = 15). Real-ear measurements (REMs) were used to measure gain.

Results: SF-OTC hearing aid gain corresponded with 10 dB SPL but not 5 dB SPL criteria from NAL-NL2 targets. Differences between NAL-NL2 targets and gain did not differ significantly between devices. There were no significant changes in gain over time for any input level.

Conclusions: SF-OTC hearing aids generally provide user-selected gain levels lower than clinical targets, particularly at higher frequencies. The gain remains stable over time, indicating limited user adjustment after initial fitting. OTC hearing aid manufacturers should consider implementing fitting algorithms that allow for gradual user acclimatization.

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自配非处方助听器的增益分析：比较和纵向分析。

目的：研究与临床NAL-NL2目标相比，自配非处方助听器（SF-OTC）提供的增益，各种fda批准的SF-OTC助听器之间的差异，以及增益随时间的潜在变化。方法：进行两项实验：(1)6个SF-OTC助听器的横断面比较（n = 43）；(2)自拟5天内和4个额外时间点内的增益纵向评估（n = 15）。实耳测量（Real-ear measurements, REMs）用于测量增益。结果：SF-OTC助听器增益符合NAL-NL2目标的10 dB声压级标准，但不符合5 dB声压级标准。NAL-NL2目标和增益之间的差异在不同设备之间没有显着差异。对于任何输入电平，增益随时间没有显著变化。结论：SF-OTC助听器通常提供低于临床目标的用户选择增益水平，特别是在较高频率时。增益随时间保持稳定，表明初始拟合后用户调整有限。OTC助听器制造商应考虑实施允许用户逐渐适应的拟合算法。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

Audiology Research AUDIOLOGY & SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY-

CiteScore

2.30

自引率

23.50%

发文量

审稿时长

11 weeks

期刊介绍： The mission of Audiology Research is to publish contemporary, ethical, clinically relevant scientific researches related to the basic science and clinical aspects of the auditory and vestibular system and diseases of the ear that can be used by clinicians, scientists and specialists to improve understanding and treatment of patients with audiological and neurotological disorders.