By Mishal Mustafa, student of the Master in Clinical Audiology and Hearing Therapy, has been published on The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology.

Published in: Mustafa, M., Krishnamurthy, A. (2025). A comprehensive review on real-world challenges faced by hearing aid users and innovative solutions for background noise—from lab to life. The Egyptian Journal of Otolaryngology, 41, 62. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43163-025-00814-6

Abstract

Objective:

The principal aim of this review was to examine the extent to which advancements in hearing aid technology help in dealing with the real-world challenges faced by hearing aid users.

Methods:

The literature review was conducted using search databases like the US National Library of Medicine National Institute of Health (PubMed), the Cochrane database for systematic review, Research Gate, Google Scholar, etc., on topics related to the outcome of noise reduction technology in hearing aids in published articles between 2014 and 2024. The keywords were constrained to English.

Results:

Advancement in hearing aid technology has enhanced user satisfaction but challenges with understanding speech in noise still persists. The hearing aid features or technology selection should be based on user preferences. If the selection does not align with the user’s preferences, it may lead to underestimation of the benefits. While advanced technologies perform effectively in controlled settings and clinics, their real-world impact has still not met user’s expectations.

Conclusion:

Despite technological advancements, individuals who use hearing aids still have difficulty understanding speech in the background noise. The actual usefulness of hearing aids in real-life situations is uncertain, and without standardized selection criteria, manufacturers will prioritize their own goals. While noise management, directionality, and signal processing may somewhat improve the situation, they generally do not meet the expectations of users of premium devices. Since this is the main issue, future research should address the challenges of understanding speech in noisy environments to enhance overall satisfaction.

Check the full research study here: Mustafa, M., Krishnamurthy, A. (2025). A comprehensive review on real-world challenges faced by hearing aid users and innovative solutions for background noise—from lab to life.