Study Finds Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Safe but Challenging to Set Up

An over-the-counter hearing aid for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss is safe but could be difficult for users to set up, according to an AHRQ-funded study. Published in JMIR Human Factors. The study tested the hearing aid with 41 adults to see how easy and safe it was to use before release to the general public. Researchers also tested whether people who should not use the device, such as those with severe hearing loss or tinnitus, could recognize whether it was appropriate for them to use. Common problems among users included pairing the hearing aids with a phone and being able to tell the right and left earbuds apart. Researchers recommended clearer instructions, larger print, and more visible warnings on the box and in the app to help consumers use the device correctly and safely. The manufacturer addressed most of the identified issues prior to commercial release, demonstrating the benefit of rigorous human factors evaluation of over-the-counter medical devices. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39834141/