Abstract
Introduction: Many individuals with normal hearing have self-reported hearing problems (Tremblay et al. 2015). Amplification has been found to be beneficial for this population (Beck et al., 2018). With the advent of the over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid mandate and the availability of the relatively less expensive OTC hearing aids, we aimed to investigate the effect of amplification on self-perceived speech understanding and listening effort for individuals with normal audiograms and self-perceived difficulties listening in background noise by comparing an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing device to a conventional hearing device (HA) and a placebo device (PL). Currently, no studies have investigated the use of an OTC device for individuals with normal audiograms despite these individuals accounting for a significant minority of patients referred to audiology or otorhinolaryngology departments (Hind et al., 2011).Method: Participants (N=23) between the age of 18-50 years with normal audiometric thresholds and self-reported difficulty listening in background noise were included in this study. Eligible participants completed the Hearing Handicap Inventory for Adults (HHIA), University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA), pure tone air and bone testing, extended high-frequency testing, speech perception testing in quiet and noise (Quick Speech in Noise test [QuickSIN] and Revised Speech Perception in Noise [RSPIN]) and provided listening effort ratings. Participants were fit and tested with three conditions: over-the-counter (OTC), conventional hearing aid (HA), and placebo (PL).
Results and conclusions: Outcomes for RSPIN showed that the HA condition showed a statistically significant higher percent correct score compared to the OTC condition for both low predictability and high predictability sentences. Additionally, the PL condition was significantly higher (better) when compared to the OTC condition for both low predictability and high predictability. No significant differences were observed for the outcomes of QuickSIN, listening effort, or overall device ratings. Using these preliminary results, we concluded that though amplification remains useful for individuals with self-perceived hearing difficulties, however, caution needs to be exercised in recommending OTC devices to this population. Further research with a larger sample, and real-world trials are needed for determining the usefulness of OTC devices for this population.