Comparison of the Hearing Benefits and User Satisfaction With Hearing Aids and Personal Sound Amplification Products: A Multicenter Prospective Randomized Crossover Trial

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.