Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are now available at pharmacies and stores across the country for those 18 and older without a prescription or medical evaluation.
Dr. Clifford Hume, an Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose & Throat) specialist at UW Medicine, says the FDA approved this new OTC category of hearing aids to help the millions of people with mild or moderate hearing loss.
“It means people that don’t have any problem with loud sounds. So, they don’t have a problem with hearing loud conversations, loud devices, things like that, those are okay,” Dr. Hume explained. “But they’re struggling when there’s several different people talking at the same time, when people are talking quietly, maybe they feel like they’re missing some things, maybe their families complaining.”
Most of the devices currently available are several hundred to about $1,000, significantly less than a conventional prescription hearing aid. But Dr. Hume points out, they’re not for everyone.
“If you have any sort of ear problems – like ear infections or ear pain or differences in hearing between your ears, sudden changes in hearing – those are all conditions where you’re not a candidate for these over-the-counter aids,” Dr. Hume said. “You should really seek the assistance of a medical professional or an audiologist for a more comprehensive evaluation before you try those devices.”
More Info:
Key Questions to Ask When Shopping for Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
What to Know About Eargo, Jabra, Lexie, Sony, and Other Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
How to Tell If Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Are Right for You
