Date of Award
Spring 2025
Degree Name
Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)
Department
Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences
First Advisor
Professor Michelle J. Thal, PA-C
Abstract
Hearing loss is an underdiagnosed and undertreated medical condition affecting millions of Americans across a variety of ages and stages of life. Over-the-counter hearing aids are a new category of hearing aids created by the FDA. By targeting affordability and accessibility, over-the-counter hearing aids reduce barriers to care that individuals with hearing loss may face. There is a major impact of hearing loss on adults, specifically, for our elderly population who struggle with communication, staying engaged socially, and the additional stress of comorbid conditions. Elderly adults have the potential to derive immense benefit from over-the-counter hearing aids, specifically for those with presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss.
Recommended Citation
Mayer, Jamie N., "Investigating the Ideal Candidate for the FDA’s Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids" (2025). Capstone Showcase. 26.
https://scholarworks.arcadia.edu/showcase/2025/pa/26
Investigating the Ideal Candidate for the FDA’s Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids
Hearing loss is an underdiagnosed and undertreated medical condition affecting millions of Americans across a variety of ages and stages of life. Over-the-counter hearing aids are a new category of hearing aids created by the FDA. By targeting affordability and accessibility, over-the-counter hearing aids reduce barriers to care that individuals with hearing loss may face. There is a major impact of hearing loss on adults, specifically, for our elderly population who struggle with communication, staying engaged socially, and the additional stress of comorbid conditions. Elderly adults have the potential to derive immense benefit from over-the-counter hearing aids, specifically for those with presbycusis, or age-related hearing loss.