Table 1. Provider versus client engagement across hearing aid fitting service models.

Engagement level	Technology accessibility	Stage of hearing aid care	Device selection/purchase/delivery channel	Service models	Level of personalization
Provider-led (currently the predominant mode of hearing aid care)	Provider controlled/delivered in clinic or remotely via HCP-accessible fitting software	Initial fitting and follow-up	Clinic-based devices	Clinic-based/remote/blended	Low (based on in-person client feedback)
	No access for client	NA
Semi-client led (increasingly available though still a minority among major hearing aid brands)	Provider controlled/delivered in clinic or remotely via HCP-accessible fitting software	Initial fitting and follow-up	Clinic-based/DTC-provided devices	Clinic-based/remote/blended	Moderate (minimal or tokenistic client-controlled remote programming that may include a client–HCP feedback loop)
	Client-controlled remote adjustment applications	Follow-up	Clinic-based/DTC-provided devices	Remote/blended
Client-led (most commonly found in self-fitting hearing aids and hearables via DTC channels but are compatible with clinic based and supported provision)	Provider accessible (variable control) clinic based/remote HCP-accessible fitting software	Initial fitting/follow-up	Clinic-based/DTC-provided devices	Clinic-based/remote/blended	High (HCP programming and adjustment expertise and skills requested based on client needs and preferences along the care journey)
	Client-controlled remote fitting/adjustment applications (self-fitting hearing aids and hearables)	Initial fitting/follow-up	Client-controlled	Remote/blended

Abbreviations: DTC, direct-to-consumer; HCP, hearing care provider.