NCT07216937NARecruitingAccepts Healthy Volunteers
Effectiveness Comparison of 3D-Printed and Conventional Ear Tip Comfort in Individuals With Hearing in the Normal Range
University of Arizona
Start Date
11/7/2025
Completion Date
6/14/2026
Summary
Access to affordable and timely hearing healthcare remains a major challenge for many individuals, partly due to the high cost and long turnaround time. This study will explore whether 3D-printed ear tips perform as well as or better than standard ear tips in terms of sound quality, comfort, and fit. It will also compare how long each method takes to make and how much each costs.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Range: 18 years to 89 years
Inclusion Criteria:
* Normal hearing thresholds (\<25 dB HL) at octave frequencies from 250-8000Hz.
* Normal otoscopy: patent ear canals with normal appearing eardrums and aerated middle ear, bilaterally.
* English speaking.
Exclusion Criteria:
* history of extensive or current outer or middle ear pathology.
* history of extensive outer or middle ear surgery.
* history of neurological or cognitive disorder.
Interventions
DEVICE
BTE hearing aid with compatible earmolds
Conditions
Hearing Aids3D Printing
Locations
The University of Arizona Hearing Clinic
Tucson, Arizona 85719
United States