Evaluating the performances of direct-to-consumer hearing devices: A comparative study of electroacoustic, acoustic transparency, and passive attenuation characteristics

Direct-to-consumer (DTC) hearing devices, including personal sound amplification products, hearables, and over-the-counter hearing aids, offer the potential to improve communication and protect hearing in noisy environments. This study aimed to measure the electroacoustic, acoustic transparency, and attenuating performances of 11 DTC hearing devices. First, electroacoustic characteristics were evaluated following the guidelines of the American National Standards Institute/Consumer Technology Association [ANSI/CTA-2051, 2017, Personal Sound Amplification Performance Criteria (American National Standards Institute and Consumer Technology Association, New York)] standard. Then, acoustic transparency and passive attenuation measurements were collected on an acoustic test fixture by comparing recorded data from non-instrumented and instrumented ears. Based on these measurements, five metrics were developed to encompass different aspects of transparency and attenuation features, then they were computed. Most of the devices investigated met the requirements of the ANSI/CTA-2051 (2017) standard. Regarding transparency and attenuation features, the trends identified in this study suggest that although many devices perform well in specific areas, trade-offs exist that may affect their overall utility depending on the user's needs. Our findings highlight the importance of educating consumers about the performance and safety of DTC hearing devices and helping them choose the appropriate technologies that align with their hearing profiles and needs. The proposed metrics could allow for a more standardized comparison of the acoustic transparency and sound attenuation performances of DTC hearing devices.