OTC Hearing Aids

A few months ago, Walmart began selling hearing aids that do not require a medical exam or prescription from an audiologist. These OTC devices are self-fitting and allow users to take a tone-based online or app-based hearing test to customize their device settings.

Preset OTC aids may be good enough for many, but if you have trouble understanding conversations in quiet settings or miss loud sounds, consult with a hearing health professional.
Cost

Until recently, the only way to get help with hearing loss was to see an audiologist or otolaryngologist and receive prescriptions for a device. Now, thanks to a new law passed by Congress, over-the-counter (OTC) devices have hit the market. These are FDA-regulated medical devices that can be purchased without a medical exam or hearing test, so they’re a good option for some people. However, OTC devices aren’t appropriate for everyone with hearing loss or tinnitus. People who need a high level of support, like those with a comorbid condition or those with complex needs, should not be purchasing OTC hearing aids.

Similarly, you should not purchase otc hearing aids if you have an irregular or unusual ear anatomy, like a perforation in the eardrum or a hole in the eardrum, or if you have any other type of chronic ear problem or disease, such as an infection. Also, if you have a sudden plunge in your hearing or miss important sounds such as car honks or announcements in public buildings, you probably have more severe hearing loss than OTC hearing aids are designed to address and might need professional help.

Still, experts recommend considering your DIY comfort level before purchasing a pair of OTC hearing aids. “You need to be able to figure out the right device, put it in correctly, program it, and troubleshoot issues,” says Vinaya Manchaiah at the University of Colorado Hospital. Some brands offer high levels of phone or online support, but even so, you’ll need to be comfortable navigating all of these tasks without the help of an audiologist. Also, you’ll want to make sure that the company offers a generous return policy or extended warranty, which are mandated by the FDA.
Technology

The new rules that allow hearing aids to be sold over-the-counter were designed to make the devices more accessible, but they also come with some drawbacks. While the devices can be purchased without a prescription, they still must meet certain standards to be safe and effective, and they can’t be prescribed to children. In addition, the manufacturers are not required to provide any professional support or service for the devices, which could pose a challenge for some consumers.

The otc hearing aids available now are either simple sound amplifiers or self-fitting digital devices, but many of them offer similar features to their prescription counterparts. Some of them can even be programmed by an audiologist, but that’s not always necessary for everyone. “If you’re tech-savvy and comfortable adjusting to an app-driven system, these devices should work for you,” says audiologist Juliette Sterkens of the Hearing Loss Association of America.

However, experts say that before purchasing an otc hearing aid, you should get your hearing tested. A comprehensive hearing test with a trained audiologist will give you a more accurate picture of your overall hearing health. You can also use one of the many available apps to determine whether your hearing needs a little help, such as Mimi or SonicCloud, or try an online screening, like the one offered by Best Buy.

In addition, it’s important to consider how much you will be able to afford. Unlike prescription devices, OTC hearing aids don’t typically cost much, but you should be prepared to pay for batteries and other accessories. You may also want to consider tapping into your flexible spending account or claiming a medical deduction, which can reduce the total cost.
Fit

If you're shopping for OTC hearing aids, it's important to choose a device with a warranty and return policy. This way, you can test your new hearing aids for a few weeks and return them if they're not working for you. A good return policy is also a sign of quality, as it shows the manufacturer trusts their product to work for people with different needs.

Some OTC hearing aids are self-fitting and come with a smartphone app to help you customize them to your specific hearing loss. These are typically a bit more expensive than the preset OTC devices, but they're under greater FDA scrutiny and offer more customization options. Some OTC devices also have built-in noise reduction and amplification features that you can use to improve your sound quality.

Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) are another class of OTC hearing aids. They're designed to amplify sounds in situations and environments where someone without hearing loss may want to hear things more loudly, such as bird-watching or hunting. PSAPs are regulated by the FDA, while OTC hearing aids aren't.

If you're interested in buying OTC hearing aids, be sure to read the manufacturer's website and app thoroughly to learn more about how the devices work and what their benefits are. Some manufacturers also have a help line or live chat feature that you can use to get support. Also, look for reviews of the OTC hearing aids you're considering and talk to your audiologist about them. Some people who buy OTC hearing aids report lower satisfaction with them than those they bought through their audiologist. If you have a sudden loss of hearing or have other medical concerns, schedule an appointment with an otolaryngologist to get the best possible results.
Durability

Durability is the ability of a product to perform its intended function under specified conditions over a long period of time. It is an important feature for many products, including vehicles, kitchen appliances, and computers. The durability of a product also determines how much wear and tear it can sustain before breaking down or becoming obsolete. Durability is not to be confused with reliability, which is the ability of a system to function correctly under normal operating conditions.

For years, hearing aids have been available over the counter without a prescription or medical consultation. But now that a new law has introduced FDA-regulated OTC aids, it's essential to know the rules before you buy a pair. The new regulations, which went into effect in 2022, set clear standards for OTC hearing aids. They must be safe and effective for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss, and they can't be sold to children.

While OTC hearing aids can be beneficial for many people, they are not a suitable solution for everyone with hearing loss. Those with severe or moderate-to-severe hearing loss might need professional help from an audiologist or doctor, according to the National Institutes of Health. Those with sudden or unexplained hearing loss or a difference between one ear and the other should also see a doctor immediately, as these may be signs of a serious problem.

Before purchasing a pair of OTC hearing aids, check the company's return policy. You should be able to return the device within 60 days, but it's up to the store whether to offer extended returns. The FDA also requires that the return policy be clearly stated on the packaging.
Customer Service

OTC hearing aids are a new category of FDA-approved and regulated devices that people can buy directly without visiting an audiologist. These products are intended to help adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss and make sounds louder so they can communicate better. They are more affordable than prescription hearing aids, but they aren’t a good fit for people with severe hearing loss or underlying medical conditions.

In addition to offering a variety of OTC hearing aid models, some companies provide online videos, robust manuals, and phone support to help customers get comfortable using their devices. In some cases, these companies even offer a trial period that lets you try out the device and return it if it’s not suitable for your needs.

If you’re considering purchasing an OTC hearing aid, it’s important to consider the price and warranty of the product before making a purchase. The best OTC hearing aids are available for a range of prices, and many come with financing options to make them more affordable.

It’s also important to compare different features of OTC hearing aids before buying one. You should look at things like Bluetooth connectivity, which will allow you to connect your hearing aids to your smartphone to stream audio and take phone calls. You should also consider the number of microphones in a model, as more microphones will allow you to hear better in noisy environments.

Most companies that sell OTC hearing aids have a reasonable return policy and warranty. Make sure to read the terms and conditions of each policy before making a purchase. It’s also a good idea to check with your insurance company to see if they cover the cost of OTC hearing aids.