OBJECTIVES: Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are available as self-fitting and preset-based devices. Preset-based devices may be more accessible to older adults with limited technological literacy, but it is unclear whether users prefer settings from larger preset collections that incorporate individual preference deviations or if simpler collections based only on prescriptive targets are sufficient....
Clinicians counseling patients on OTC hearing aids should be aware that the number of preset options can meaningfully affect usability for older or less tech-savvy users, but specific prescriptive guidance awaits broader replication.
As OTC hearing aids expand access to hearing care, understanding how device complexity affects usability is critical to ensuring these products genuinely serve the populations they are designed for.
- 01Study published in Ear & Hearing examines OTC hearing aid preset collection size and usability.
- 02Focus population is older adults with limited technological experience.
- 03Findings may inform how manufacturers design OTC device interfaces.
- 04Usability and accessibility are primary outcome dimensions of interest.
- 05Results carry implications for counseling patients considering OTC options.
Preset collection size in OTC hearing aids affects usability and accessibility for older adults.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42168802
- DOI
- 10.1097/AUD.0000000000001835.
- Journal
- Ear and Hearing
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 2b
- Population
- Older adults with limited technological experience using OTC hearing aids
- Intervention
- Varying preset collection sizes in OTC hearing aids
Primary outcomes
Usability; Accessibility
