Usability of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids in Older Adults.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

This study aimed to identify individual factors associated with older adults' ability to manage commercially available over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids (HAs).

Method

Participants completed an OTC HA skills assessment, scored on a 4-point Likert scale (3 = independent with no difficulty, 0 = unable to complete). Steps included downloading the application (app), inserting the HAs, and cleaning them with a brush. Scores were averaged to calculate an overall mean; higher scores indicated better OTC HA skills. Each independent variable was analyzed in separate linear regression models, and geometric mean ratios (GMRs) were calculated for significant factors. OTC HA skills were also examined dichotomously, with unsuccessful performance defined as any unres

SUBMITTER: Coco L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12418374 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature