Larry Humes: Study of Hearing-Aid Outcomes in Older Adults

Read the full article: doi.org/10.1044/2017_AJA-16-0111
Dr. Larry Humes discusses the results of the first-ever placebo-controlled double-blind randomized clinical trial of hearing aid outcomes. The study sought to compare patient outcomes when hearing aids are delivered via an audiology “best practices” model compared to an “over-the-counter” (OTC) model. In the context of this study, the OTC model meant that patients received a high-quality, pre-programmed hearing aid that was not fitted by an audiologist. The methodology is generally considered the highest standard for clinical trials. This study helps establish the evidence base needed to foster better hearing health care for many older Americans. Find out more at aja.pubs.asha.org.
Humes, L. E., Rogers, S. E., Quigley, T. M. Main, A. K., Kinney, D. L., & Herring, C. (2017). The effects of service-delivery model and purchase price on hearing-aid outcomes in older adults: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial. American Journal of Audiology.