Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids: A Nationwide Survey Study to Understand Perspectives in Primary Care

Ryan J Davis; Matthew Lin; Oluwatobiloba Ayo-Ajibola; Diana D Ahn; Payton A Brown; John Parsons; Tiffany F Ho; Janet S Choi

doi:10.1002/lary.31689

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids: A Nationwide Survey Study to Understand Perspectives in Primary Care

Laryngoscope. 2025 Jan;135(1):299-307. doi: 10.1002/lary.31689. Epub 2024 Aug 27.

Authors

Ryan J Davis¹, Matthew Lin², Oluwatobiloba Ayo-Ajibola¹, Diana D Ahn³, Payton A Brown³, John Parsons³, Tiffany F Ho⁴, Janet S Choi³

Affiliations

¹ Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
² Department of Head and Neck Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
³ Caruso Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, U.S.A.
⁴ Department of Family and Preventive Medicine, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, Utah, U.S.A.

PMID: 39192385
DOI: 10.1002/lary.31689

Abstract

Objectives: The expansion of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids has raised inquiries regarding primary care physicians' (PCP) knowledge, perspective, and perceived roles. We aimed to understand PCP perspectives on OTC hearing aids via nationwide online surveys.

Methods: RedCap survey was distributed to PCPs via online forums and public mailing lists. Outcomes included PCPs' attitudes toward, perceived role surrounding, confidence managing, and knowledge of OTC hearing aids. Regression analyses were performed to identify associated factors including demographics and practice characteristics.

Results: Cohort included 111 PCPs primarily working in non-rural (83.8%) outpatient academic medical centers (47.5%), with a mean (SD) of 16.9 (11.6) years practicing. Most reported unfamiliarity (61.3%) with OTC hearing aids but viewed them positively (91.9%). They often perceived themselves as poor sources of OTC hearing aid information (63.1%) but desired involvement (90.1%) and believed associated knowledge is important (98.2%). Rural practice environment was associated with less familiarity toward OTC hearing aids (β = -0.72, [95% CI -1.40 to -0.04]). Respondents answered 5.0 (2.4) of 10 OTC hearing aid knowledge questions correctly. Using 5-point Likert scale, participants reported most confidence recognizing signs/symptoms of hearing loss 3.71 (0.84), but less confidence educating 1.68 (0.96) about and determining candidacy 1.72 (1.05) for OTC hearing aids. Participants reported continuing medical education courses and published guidelines would effectively improve their OTC hearing aid knowledge.

Conclusion: PCPs displayed positive attitudes toward OTC hearing aids and valued involvement. Addressing unfamiliarity/knowledge gaps surrounding OTC hearing aids through courses and published guidelines may help clarify misconceptions and promote hearing health care.

Level of evidence: NA Laryngoscope, 135:299-307, 2025.

Keywords: OTC hearing aids; hearing aids; hearing loss; over‐the‐counter hearing aids; primary care.

MeSH terms

Adult
Attitude of Health Personnel*
Female
Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
Hearing Aids* / psychology
Hearing Aids* / statistics & numerical data
Hearing Loss / psychology
Hearing Loss / rehabilitation
Hearing Loss / therapy
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Physicians, Primary Care / psychology
Physicians, Primary Care / statistics & numerical data
Primary Health Care* / statistics & numerical data
Surveys and Questionnaires
United States