Comparison of the Hearing Benefits and User Satisfaction With Hearing Aids and Personal Sound Amplification Products: A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Crossover Trial
Clinical Snapshot
PICO Framework
| P — Population | 73 adults with sensorineural hearing loss |
| I — Intervention | Hearing aids (premium and basic) |
| C — Comparator | Personal sound amplification products (high-end and basic) |
| O — Outcomes | Audiologic performance (pure-tone audiometry, word recognition, speech-in-noise testing) and user satisfaction (standardized questionnaires) |
Bottom Line
This multicenter crossover trial provides valuable evidence comparing hearing aids to personal sound amplification products in 73 adults with sensorineural hearing loss. The study demonstrates superior audiologic performance of hearing aids, particularly in high-frequency gain and speech-in-noise situations, along with higher user satisfaction scores. While PSAPs offer cost advantages, they appear insufficient for optimal hearing rehabilitation. The crossover design strengthens internal validity by eliminating between-subject variability, though the inability to blind participants creates inherent bias risk. For Australian clinicians, these findings support current practice patterns favoring hearing aids for hearing loss management, while acknowledging PSAPs may serve as interim solutions for cost-constrained patients. The study reinforces the importance of professional audiologic assessment and device fitting, supporting the regulatory distinction between medical devices and consumer electronics in hearing healthcare.
Key Findings
P Value: Significance levels not specified
Effect Size: Not specified in abstract
Primary Outcome: Superior audiologic performance and user satisfaction with hearing aids compared to PSAPs
Nnt Or Sensitivity: Not applicable - comparative effectiveness study
Confidence Interval: Not provided
Clinical Application
High feasibility as both device types are commercially available with established fitting protocols Relevant to Australian practice where hearing aids are subsidized through government programs but PSAPs remain unregulated alternatives. Results support current TGA regulatory framework distinguishing medical devices from consumer electronics. Adults with sensorineural hearing loss considering hearing amplification options
Abstract
BACKGROUND: While hearing aids (HAs) remain the primary intervention for hearing loss, their high cost creates barriers to access. Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) are a more affordable alternative, but few studies have compared their efficacy to those of HAs. This multicenter, prospective, randomized, crossover trial was conducted to compare audiologic performance and user satisfaction between HAs and PSAPs to evaluate PSAP potential as alternatives for hearing rehabilitation. METHODS: A total of 73 participants with sensorineural hearing loss was enrolled. Participants used one hearing device (HA or PSAP) for 3 months before changing to the other for 3 months. Outcome measures were pure-tone audiometry, word recognition score, and Hearing in Noise Test score. Subjective satisfaction was measured using standardized questionnaires-the Abbreviated Profile of Hearing Aid Benefit and the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids-and two custom surveys. RESULTS: HAs showed superior performance in high-frequency functional gain, speech perception in noise, and user satisfaction compared to PSAPs. Premium HAs demonstrated better performance than basic HAs, while basic HAs significantly outperformed both high-end and basic PSAPs. No significant differences were found between high-end and basic PSAPs. CONCLUSION: The superior audiologic performance of and user satisfaction with HAs compared to PSAPs support their continued preference for hearing rehabilitation. Although PSAPs offer a more affordable option, they may not meet the needs of individuals with hearing loss, particularly in terms of high-frequency gain and speech perception. TRIAL REGISTRATION: iCreaT Identifier: C220078.
References
- 1.Han, J. S., Seo, J. H., Lee, S., Song, J. J., Moon, I. J., Park, M. K., & Park, Y. H. (2026). Comparison of the hearing benefits and user satisfaction with hearing aids and personal sound amplification products: A multicenter prospective randomized crossover trial. Journal of Korean Medical Science, 41, e131. https://doi.org/10.3346/jkms.2026.41.e131
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