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New Website Helps Consumers Navigate Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids and Find the Right Solutions 

  • Published: 11/05/2025
  • Revised: 11/05/2025
 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
A graphic with the words CLEARdashboard, consumer led evidence: amplification resource dashboard.

PITTSBURGH, October 1 – Millions of Americans live with hearing loss, but finding the right solution can feel overwhelming. To make it easier, the University of Pittsburgh Department of Communication Science and Disorders has launched CLEARdashboard.info, a free, consumer-friendly website created to promote public awareness and education about hearing, hearing loss and hearing aids. 

This one of a kind resource will help consumers, care givers and professionals better understand and select appropriate over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for mild to moderate hearing loss.

The site offers easy-to-understand information, tools and resources to help people explore their options to seek a self-care pathway to hearing care that meets the communication, lifestyle and financial needs of an individual. 

“We created CLEARdashboard.info to give people a trusted place to start,” said Catherine Palmer, audiologist and research team leader, professor and chairperson of the Department of Communication Science and Disorders, and director of audiology for the UPMC Integrated Health System.   

“There is so much information out there and individuals can be overwhelmed by the lack of independent, reliable information,” Palmer said. “The CLEARdashboard was developed without industry support ensuring freedom from commercial influence.” 

Visitors will be able to easily navigate and find: 

  • Advice on when to seek hearing health care services (Food and Drug Administration guidelines) 
  • Information about hearing and hearing aids 
  • Available OTC hearing aids that may meet their individual preferences for their hearing, communication, lifestyle and financial needs 

Whether someone is just beginning to notice hearing changes or ready to take the next step, CLEARdashboard.info makes the process clearer and more approachable. 

Consumers can visit www.CLEARdashboard.info today to start exploring their hearing care options. 

Media Contact: 

James Katz, Aud

Audiologist and Project Manager

EMAIL: cleardashboard@pitt.edu

TEL: 412-383-1698

A pair of hands holds a variety of different hearing aids

Learn more about CLEARdashboard and the importance of its research from Project Manager James Katz, in his own words.

Written by:
Department of Communication Science and Disorders
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Woman with short, dark blonde hair wearing a black blazer over a light blue shirt.

Catherine Palmer
Man with short white hair and black circular glasses wearing a navy blue suit jacket over a light blue collared shirt.

James Katz
Learn more about SHRS Audiology (AuD) or contact an enrollment specialist at enroll@shrs.pitt.edu today!