Could a web app replace the audiologist for hearing aid fits?
NCT ID NCT04972162
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether a web app can fit hearing aids as effectively as the standard method done by a professional. 28 adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss tried both approaches. The goal was to see if the web app provides similar benefit in everyday listening situations.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Web app fitting strategy for hearing aids
- What this could lead to
- If successful, this could make hearing aid fitting more convenient and accessible for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed study with only 28 participants. The web app fitting may not work as well for everyone, and results may not apply to more severe hearing loss.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
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Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
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28 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
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Jul 2021
- Finished
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Nov 2021
- Lead sponsor
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A company
The lead sponsor is a pharmaceutical, biotech, or medical-device company.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
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18 years and older
- Sex
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Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
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Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults 18 years of age or older, * Self-perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment, * Signed informed consent form (ICF), * Fluent in English listening and reading comprehension, * With or without prior experience with hearing aids. At least four subjects and maximum 30% of the total number of subjects enrolled in this study will have prior hearing aid experience. * Measured audiogram with at least four of the test frequencies 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 3000 Hz, and 4000 Hz within fitting range of Web App fitted hearing aid Exclusion Criteria: * Hearing aids do not fit into the person's ears with any of the offered silicone 'Click Sleeves' instant ear tips. * Abnormal conditions: * Severe hearing loss or deafness in at least one ear. * A steep decline in hearing ability within the last 90 days in one or both ears. * Active discharge within the last 90 days. * Dizziness. * A visible deformity of the ear. * Pain, or discomfort in the ear, or significant ear wax accumulation. * Audiometric air-bone gap equal to or greater than 15 decibels at 500 hertz Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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University of South Dakota, USD Speech and Hearing Clinic
Vermillion, South Dakota, 57069, United States
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