Clin Exp Otorhinolaryngol.  2022 May;15(2):127-134. 10.21053/ceo.2021.01662.

Hearables as a Gateway to Hearing Health Care

• Seol HY
• Moon IJ

• KMID: 2530158
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.21053/ceo.2021.01662

Abstract

The market for hearing technology is evolving—with the emergence of hearables, it now extends beyond hearing aids and includes any ear-level devices with wireless connectivity (i.e., wireless earbuds). However, will this evolving marketplace bring forth opportunities or challenges to individuals’ hearing health care and the profession of audiology and otolaryngology? The debate has been ongoing. This study explores the wide spectrum of hearables available in the market and discusses the necessity of high-quality clinical evidence prior to the implementation of over-the-counter devices into clinical practice.

Keyword

Hearing Loss; Hearables; Hearing Aids; Personal Sound Amplification Products; Direct-to-Consumer Devices

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Examples of wearable augmented reality device.

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  Fig. 2. An example of hearing aid remote assistance process.

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