Why Are Hearing Aids Being Offered Over The Counter?

The healthcare industry is adapting to the needs of patients, providing flexible care that fits in with people’s budgets and lifestyles. More and treatments and services are being offered over the counter, making it easier for patients to take charge of their healthcare.

Hearing aids have become the latest product to be offered over the counter, providing a simple way for people to access help with their hearing. But as hearing aids are traditionally only available with a prescription, are over-the-counter hearing aids a suitable alternative? Learn more about over-the-counter hearing aids.

What are Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids?

Over-the-counter hearing aids are a variety of hearing aid that can be bought over the counter. These allow people experiencing hearing loss to benefit from a hearing aid device without a prescription. OTC hearing aids can help those with self-perceived mild-or-moderate hearing loss to improve their hearing.

OTC hearing aids work in a similar way to prescription hearing aids. They amplify sounds to make them louder for the wearer and can be used in a variety of situations where someone needs to listen and communicate. 

Why Are Some Hearing Aids Now Available Over the Counter?

In August 2022, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) gave its final approval for OTC hearing aids to be sold. This approval meant hearing aid devices could be sold without the need for a prescription from an audiologist. Devices have been available to buy since October from retailers including drug stores, pharmacists and others. The ruling specifies that OTC hearing aids are only to be sold to those over 18.

The decision to allow hearing aids to be sold over the counter makes hearing aids more accessible to those who could benefit from them. Some of the barriers facing those who may need a hearing aid include the cost, while others may not have access to the services they need to get diagnosed. 

While over-the-counter hearing aids provide a simple solution to help those who have hearing loss, it is still important to seek a diagnosis and treatment from an audiologist, who may be able to diagnose the cause of your hearing loss and monitor your symptoms over time. 

Who Can Benefit from an OTC Hearing Aid?

An OTC hearing aid is suitable for use by those who have self-perceived mild or moderate hearing loss. Some of the people who may benefit from an OTC hearing aid include:

• Those who are experiencing trouble hearing speech or sounds or sounds aren’t as clear as they should be.
• Those who struggle to hear when they’re in a crowded place or in a group.
• Those who struggle to hear the television or radio and find themselves increasing the volume from their usual level.

There are multiple signs of hearing loss and using an OTC hearing aid can be a useful way of improving your hearing while you wait to meet with an audiologist. If you already have a prescription hearing aid, it could also work as a temporary solution if you’ve lost or damaged your hearing aid, while you wait for a new one.

Is an OTC Hearing Aid a Suitable Alternative to a Prescription Hearing Aid?

While there are many benefits that come with an OTC hearing aid, it is still advisable that if you have hearing loss or suspect you have hearing loss, you should make an appointment with an audiologist.

Hearing loss can be caused by a number of different factors, including overexposure to noise, as well as temporary causes such as impacted earwax. A visit to your audiologist will be able to confirm the cause, helping you to establish whether you need a hearing aid and to determine the best hearing aid for your needs.

With the help of an audiologist, you get a tailored service. Your hearing aid will be fitted for you, and you’ll have access to support should your condition change or your hearing aid becomes damaged. Your audiologist will also be able to advise on how to protect your hearing and answer any questions you may have about your hearing aid.

Over-the-counter hearing aids provide a simple solution for those who experience hearing loss. But as they are only suitable for adults with self-perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss, they may not be suitable for everyone who needs a hearing aid. A visit to The Hearing Doctors can ensure you get your hearing checked out by professional audiologists and fitted with the right hearing aids for your needs. Call us today at (630) 315-2899 today to make an appointment.