Université Laval

Purpose

Over 3.2 million Canadians experience hearing loss, yet approximately 84% have never used hearing aids, often due to high costs and limited access to healthcare. This project aims to evaluate alternative listening devices (ALDs), such as OverThe-Counter hearing aids (OTC) and personal sound amplification products (PSAP), which are more affordable and accessible but currently lack regulation and objective performance data in Canada. The objectives of this project include assessing the electroacoustic and acoustic performances of ALDs, documenting user experiences in real-world settings, and examining their impact on speech intelligibility, localization abilities, and music perception. A sustainable knowledge dissemination tool will be developed to provide Canadians with clear, objective information about ALDs. Additionally, new metrics for evaluating day-to-day auditory benefits of ALDs will be investigated. Ultimately, the project aims to enhance public awareness and improve access to hearing care, potentially influencing future health coverage policies.