How useful are direct-to-consumer hearing aids?

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) self-fitted hearing aids are becoming increasingly popular for adults with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. These devices are adjusted by patients themselves using smartphone applications or pre-programmed settings, eliminating the need for an audiogram. Several syste...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Canadian family physician 2024-07, Vol.70 (7-8), p.475-475
Main Authors: Braschi, Émélie, Moe, Samantha S
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Deafness
Ears & hearing
Hearing aids
Hearing Aids - economics
Hearing loss
Hearing Loss - therapy
HIV
Human immunodeficiency virus
Humans
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Description
Summary:Direct-to-consumer (DTC) self-fitted hearing aids are becoming increasingly popular for adults with mild to moderately severe hearing loss. These devices are adjusted by patients themselves using smartphone applications or pre-programmed settings, eliminating the need for an audiogram. Several systematic reviews have compared DTC hearing aids with audiogram-fitted conventional hearing aids. The results show that some DTC devices are comparable to conventional hearing aids in terms of speech intelligibility and tend to cost less. However, there are limitations to consider, such as unclear randomization and blinding in some studies, as well as assessments conducted in artificial settings. It is important to note that severe hearing loss is managed differently, and DTC hearing aids are not regulated by Health Canada. Prompt audiology or otolaryngology referral is necessary for sudden hearing loss or the presence of otologic or neurologic symptoms. In Canada, hearing aids are prescribed by physicians or audiologists, and referral may be needed for access and insurance reimbursement.
ISSN:0008-350X
1715-5258
1715-5258
DOI:10.46747/cfp.700708475