NCT07228845NARecruiting
Effectiveness Comparison of 3D-Printed and Conventional Ear Tip Comfort in Individuals With Hearing Loss
University of Arizona
Start Date
3/15/2026
Completion Date
4/25/2027
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 over a prolonged duration in a sample of individuals with bilateral hearing loss. 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:
* Bilateral, symmetric, sensorineural hearing loss, with thresholds between normal and severe degree of hearing loss
* Normal otoscopy: patent ear canals with normal appearing eardrums and aerated middle ear, bilaterally.
* English speaking.
Exclusion Criteria:
* Self reported history of extensive or current outer or middle ear pathology.
* Self reported history of extensive outer or middle ear surgery.
* Self reported history of neurological or cognitive disorder.
* Active ear infection
Interventions
DEVICE
BTE hearing aids with compatible ear tips (Third-party, FlexResin, Resin)
DEVICE
BTE hearing aids with compatible ear tips (FlexResin, Resin, Third-party, FlexResin)
DEVICE
BTE hearing aids with compatible ear tips (Resin, Third-party, FlexRes)
Conditions
Hearing AidsHearing Loss, Bilateral Sensorineural3D Printing
Locations
The University of Arizona Hearing Clinic
Tucson, Arizona 85721
United States