Effectiveness Comparison of 3D-Printed and Conventional Ear Tip Comfort in Individuals With Hearing Loss

Effectiveness Comparison of 3D-Printed and Conventional Ear Tip Comfort in Individuals With Hearing Loss

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.

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