Clinical Performance of a Smartphone-Based Sound Amplification Device Versus a Personal Sound Amplification Product in Elders with Mild-to-Moderate Hearing Loss: A Prospective Cohort Study

TL;DR

A smartphone-based sound amplification device works as well as traditional hearing aids for older adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

Contribution

The study demonstrates that smartphone-based devices can be a viable alternative to traditional hearing aids for older adults.

Findings

Both devices improved hearing thresholds significantly compared to unaided listening.

User satisfaction and sound quality ratings were similar between the smartphone-based device and traditional PSAP.

Smartphone-based solutions are a viable and accessible option for hearing aid alternatives.

Abstract

Background and Objectives: To evaluate the clinical performance of a smartphone-based sound amplification device (SBSAD) compared to a conventional personal sound amplification product (PSAP) in older adults with mild-to-moderate sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), ad-dressing the need for accessible alternatives given the low adoption of traditional hearing aids. Materials and Methods: Forty-nine participants (mean age 68 years) with mild-to-moderate SNHL underwent audiometric testing and subjective evaluation under three conditions: unaided, aided with a commercial PSAP, and aided with an SBSAD (iPhone with wireless earbuds). Primary outcomes included functional gain in sound field thresholds and user ratings of sound quality and acceptability via a custom questionnaire. Results: Both devices yielded significant threshold improvements compared to the unaided condition (p < 0.001). Mean functional gain was 16.0 dB for the PSAP and 15.3 dB for the SBSAD, with no statistically significant difference (p > 0.5). Subjective ratings for sound quality, comfort, cosmetic acceptability, and future willingness to use were comparable between devices (all p > 0.05). Conclusions: The SBSAD performed equivalently to a traditional PSAP in improving audibility and user satisfaction. Smartphone-based technologies offer a viable, accessible mobile health solution to bridge the gap for older adults who lack conventional hearing aids.