What are OTC Hearing Aids?

You might want to buy hearing aids, but you’re not sure if getting them over the counter is a good idea. It makes sense. There are a lot of new over-the-counter (OTC) products on the market, but not much is known about their pros and cons.

Hearing aids can now be bought without a hearing test or fitting by an audiologist or hearing professional. This may be the biggest change for consumers. But anyone with hearing loss can still go to an audiologist for a hearing test and fitting in person.

Hearing aids come in different styles, but most of them work the same way. No matter if they go behind the ear or in the ear canal, they make sounds louder by amplifying them. Also, they help block out some kinds of noise. All hearing aids use a combination of signal processing and directional microphones to filter out some undesired noise and improve our ability to hear sounds.

Don’t mix up hearing aids you get from an audiologist; or buy over-the-counter with personal sound amplification products (PSAPs) you can buy at most drug stores. These products just make sounds louder. They aren’t made for each person’s hearing loss, and the FDA doesn’t regulate them or make them to treat hearing loss.

Who Are OTC Hearing Aids For?

Adults 18 or older with self-perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss can use over-the-counter hearing aids. They can also be used in certain situations, like in a church, restaurant or while watching TV. Hearing aids for children and people with severe to profound hearing loss will still need to be fitted by a professional. These are called prescription hearing aids.

Do You Need to Have a Hearing Test for OTC Hearing Aids?

You do not need to have your hearing tested for OTC hearing aids. You can buy OTC hearing aids without a prescription from an audiologist. If you think your hearing loss is greater than mild, then go see an audiologist to get your hearing tested. They will tell you the severity of your hearing loss and talk to you about the best treatment for you.

People used to get their hearing checked by a certified audiologist who was trained to set up hearing aids based on each person’s hearing loss. Hearing tests find out how loud a sound has to be for you to hear it clearly. Normal-hearing people can pick out sounds that are less than 25 decibels (dBs).

Between 26dBs and 55dBs is the range for mild-to-moderate hearing loss. A person with mild hearing loss may be able to hear some speech sounds, but it may be hard for them to hear softer sounds. When someone talks normally, someone with moderate hearing loss may have trouble understanding what they are saying. Age or other problems can cause hearing loss in one or both ears.

An audiologist is not needed to get an over-the-counter hearing aid. These devices, though, can only help people with self-perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. You still need to see an audiologist for a full exam if you have severe or profound hearing loss.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

OTC hearing aids can help a lot of people with hearing loss, but they aren’t as good as hearing aids you get from a doctor. Let’s look at the pros and cons so you can decide what kind of hearing aids are best for you.

Pros:

• Some brands let an audiologist check in and make changes from afar.
• Many come with an app for smartphones that lets you change the settings and volume.

Cons:

• Not made to treat hearing loss that is more severe or caused by an injury or a medical condition.
• They are self-fitting, which means they can’t be made to fit your ears just right.
• Usually have fewer features than hearing aids that need a prescription.
• Most over-the-counter hearing aids may not have warranties than prescription hearing aids that you get from an audiologist.

When compared to prescription hearing aids, over-the-counter hearing aids don’t offer as much personalized care. They also can’t treat all levels of hearing loss or hearing-related medical conditions because they’re only approved for self-perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

But the fact that over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are here to be a more affordable option and easier to buy is a big step toward giving more Americans the chance to get the help they need. If you would like to learn more get in touch with the audiologist team at Davis Audiology at (864) 810-6238.