Limitations
AIDS
This study has some limitations. First, blinding was not possible. Furthermore, we investigated only 1 self-fitting OTC device with 1 fitting method. Other devices and fitting methods may produce outcomes with variable success. The sample size did not allow for subgroup analysis, such as age, which could influence self-fitting outcomes if there are varying levels of digital proficiency; this limits the ability of the study to identify and resolve potential problems in the self-fitting model. Possible recall bias for the wear time of the hearing aids may be present since the actual duration of use was not captured using data logging. Finally, the results only report outcomes up to 6 weeks post fitting. Further field research investigating long-term outcomes is needed.