BOSTON, MASSACHUSSETTS – A newly updated study by researchers from the University of Colorado and the University of Pretoria (South Africa) reveals that self-fitting over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids provide long-term benefits comparable to audiologist-fitted devices at a significantly lower cost. The findings, published today in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) – Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, indicate that for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, OTC hearing aids continue to be a cost-effective and equally beneficial solution.
The researchers built upon an earlier study, also published in JAMA in April 2023, which found that self-fitted Lexie Lumen OTC hearing aids offered the same benefits as audiologist-fitted aids after six weeks of use. The updated research shows that both OTC and audiologist-fitted hearing aid users experienced similar benefits after eight months, reinforcing the effectiveness and value of OTC hearing products.
Over-the-counter hearing aids have significantly increased access to hearing care for Americans, as they can typically cost less than a quarter of traditional professionally fitted prescription hearing aids. These devices can be purchased and fitted at home, reducing the need for multiple visits to the audiologist, which are often paid out of pocket.
Efficacy of Long Term Use
Half of the participants in this trial were given Lexie Lumen hearing aids, which are commercially available online, at major retailers and every Walgreens across the U.S., and instructed to self-fit them as they would have if they purchased them from a retailer. The other half were given the same hearing aids fitted by an audiologist using the best-practice protocol when visiting an audiologist.
“The results of this study hold great promise for the tens of millions of Americans living with untreated mild to moderate hearing loss. Hearing loss is chronically undertreated, in part because of the expense and inconvenience of prescription hearing aids. With clinical proof that OTC products produce the same long-term benefit, we believe more people can and will confidently take steps to address hearing loss so they can live longer, healthier lives.”
–De Wet Swanepoel, PhD
After the initial fitting, neither group was given access to additional audiological or remote support for fitting or fine-tuning. Following the initial two weeks, OTC wearers were provided ongoing access to Lexie remote support for fine tuning. Those with the audiologist-fitted hearing aids were able to access support and fine-tuning from an audiologist.
Within the first two weeks of the study, Lexie wearers wore their hearing aids longer and reported better outcomes than those using audiologist-fitted devices. After eight months, the benefits between self-fitted OTC hearing aids and audiologist-fitted hearing aids were comparable with no statistically significant difference.
“We are pleased to see that OTC hearing aids – particularly the Lexie Lumen – continue to perform well in randomized controlled trials against audiologist-fitted prescription products,” said Brian Maguire, Senior Vice President for Lexie Hearing. “Broad access to affordable, quality hearing aids is essential to our mission to help everyone everywhere hear better.”
The FDA approved a new category of self-fitting hearing aids to be sold over-the-counter by U.S. retailers in 2022, increasing hearing care options for Americans with mild to moderate hearing loss. Recent data indicate that about 44 million U.S. adults have hearing loss, but many do not seek care due to cost, access issues, and stigma.
Citation:
- De Sousa KCManchaiah VMoore DRGraham MASwanepoel DW. Long-Term Outcomes of Self-Fit vs Audiologist-Fit Hearing Aids. JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. Published online July 11, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamaoto.2024.1825
About Lexie Hearing
Lexie Hearing, a division of hearX Group, is driven by its mission to make hearing health more affordable and accessible. As a leader in the U.S. OTC hearing aid market, Lexie was named among the 100 Most Influential Companies by TIME in 2023 for its innovative technology and meaningful impact on hearing health in America. Lexie products are clinically proven to provide similar benefits as audiologist-fitted devices for those with mild to moderate hearing loss for up to a quarter of the cost of prescription devices and are sold in more than 14,000 leading retail stores nationwide and on lexiehearing.com. Delivering user-friendly technology, an easy-to-use app and award-winning customer service, Lexie helps wearers get back to better hearing quickly and easily so they can confidently live the life they love.
About hearX Group
hearX Group, is an industry leading medtech company with a mission to make healthy hearing accessible to everyone, everywhere. Using smart technology and data, hearX has built a suite of smart digital solutions to detect, diagnose and treat hearing loss around the globe, making cost-effective hearing accessible to those who need it most. In a few short years, hearX’s footprint has grown to reach 191 countries and more than 2.4 million people, globally.
Source: Lexie, JAMA
