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The introduction of OTC hearing aids marks a significant shift in hearing health accessibility. These devices aim to reduce barriers such as cost and professional wait times for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Specifically, a comprehensive systematic review published in Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery compared self-fitting technology with traditional audiologist-led fittings. The researchers found that these devices might deliver results that rival professional services.
The meta-analysis evaluated 15 unique studies involving 774 participants. Notably, the pooled results indicated no significant differences in patient-reported benefit scales. For example, the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit (APHAB) and the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids (IOI-HA) scores were nearly identical between groups. Moreover, speech-in-noise performance tests showed that self-fitted users performed just as well as those with professional adjustments.
However, clinical professionals must note that the certainty of the evidence is currently low. Most of the analyzed field trials lasted only 10 days to eight weeks. Consequently, long-term success rates remain a subject of ongoing research. Additionally, many studies exhibited a moderate to high risk of bias. Therefore, while OTC hearing aids appear effective in the short term, larger independent trials are necessary to validate these findings within standard clinical pathways.
Current research suggests that self-fitting OTC devices provide comparable patient-reported outcomes to those fitted by professionals. However, these findings primarily apply to adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
The review highlighted that most trials were short-term and many had a high risk of bias. Therefore, long-term effectiveness and reliability in diverse real-world settings require further investigation.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Refer to the latest local and national guidelines for clinical practice.
References
De Sousa KC et al. Effectiveness of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Versus Professionally Fitted Devices: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2026 Jun 17. doi: 10.1002/ohn.70306. PMID: 42307981.
Zheng Y, et al. Self-Fit vs. Professional-Fit Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Am Acad Audiol. 2026 Jan 1;37(1):54-71.
Manchaiah V, et al. Effectiveness of an over-the-counter self-fitting hearing aid compared to an audiologist-fitted hearing aid: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2023 Jun 1;149(6):522-530.
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A systematic review suggests that self-fitting OTC hearing aids offer comparable outcomes to professionally fitted devices for adults. Analysis of 15 studies found no significant differences in patient-reported benefits or speech-in-noise tests, though researchers emphasize the need for larger trials.
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