Effect of one-size-fits-all amplification in Bluetooth hearing devices for hearing impaired listeners’ speech recognition

Hearing loss is a highly prevalent chronic condition that degrades the quality of life. Although hearing aids provide immediate and efficient benefits to listeners with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, the prevalence of hearing aid use has been low. Consumer wireless earbuds are increasingly being equipped with the ability to amplify external sounds, which can be an affordable alternative to hearing aids. This study compared the amplification performance of non-customized Bluetooth consumer hearables to high-end hearing aids when used by people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. We found that such a non-customized consumer device significantly enhances the speech recognition of listeners with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, although its performance did not reach the hearing aids. These results determine the extent to which inexpensive and accessible non-customized Bluetooth hearables can help people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.