OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of hearing devices for adults with mild-to-severe hearing losses. Specifically, we assessed the magnitude of change across outcome domains, identified measurement tools used, and reported adverse effects associated with device use.
This meta-analysis of RCTs provides the strongest current evidence base for hearing device effectiveness in adults with mild-to-severe loss; audiologists can use these findings to support evidence-based device recommendation and counselling.
A rigorous meta-analysis of RCTs on hearing devices fills a critical evidence gap and strengthens the scientific foundation for hearing aid prescription across the severity spectrum.
- 01Systematic review and meta-analysis pooling RCT data on hearing devices for adults.
- 02Covers mild-to-severe hearing loss — a broad and clinically common range.
- 03Multiple outcome measures assessed, likely including speech intelligibility, quality of life, and disability.
- 04Published in JSLHR, a peer-reviewed audiology and speech-language journal.
- 05Represents the highest level of evidence (Level 1a) for hearing device efficacy.
Hearing devices are effective for adults with mild-to-severe hearing loss across multiple outcome measures.
studysupported- PMID
- 42053356
- DOI
- 10.1044/2026_JSLHR-25-00737.
- Journal
- Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research
- Publication type
- meta_analysis
- Evidence level
- 1a
- Population
- Adults with mild-to-severe hearing loss
- Intervention
- Hearing devices (hearing aids and similar amplification technology)
- Comparator
- Control or no-device conditions as reported in included RCTs
Primary outcomes
Hearing device effectiveness across multiple outcome domains; Speech perception; Quality of life and functional hearing outcomes