Why Are Hearing Aids Being Offered Over The Counter?

If you’ve been browsing the stores recently, you may have been surprised to see that hearing aids were available for purchase. This hasn’t always been the case. Historically, you could only get a hearing aid with a prescription. But that all changed within the last months when the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled that it was possible to get a hearing aid over the counter without any testing on input from an audiologist.

This is good news for some people with hearing loss, but over the counter (OTC) options won’t be suitable for everyone. In this blog, we’ll look at the ruling that allowed hearing aids to be sold over the counter, as well as run through some reasons why you may still prefer to get a hearing aid fitted by an audiologist.

Why Hearing Aids Are Now Available Over the Counter

The move to make hearing aids available over the counter came from the FDA. It wasn’t so much that they made them available; it’s more that they removed the regulations that prevented them from being sold without a prescription. The FDA made the move so that people with self-perceived mild hearing loss could buy a hearing aid without having to visit an audiologist.

What to Know About OTC Hearing Aids

OTC hearing aids have the same job as prescription hearing aids; they’re designed, of course, to improve the hearing capabilities of people living with hearing loss. Around 25% of people aged 65 or over have some extent of hearing loss and around 50% of people aged 75 or older do, too. OTC hearing aids make improving hearing more accessible without having to visit an audiologist. You won’t need to have a hearing exam to purchase one of the devices; you can just go to your nearest store, buy the hearing aid and begin wearing it.

However, though this is possible, it’s not always recommended. In nearly all cases, it’ll be much better to make an appointment with an audiologist. An OTC hearing aid may be suitable for people with a mild form of hearing loss who want to see if such a device can help them without going through the process of scheduling an appointment. Even people who buy an OTC hearing aid may find that, eventually, they end up getting a prescription hearing aid due to the limitations of OTC options.

The Advantages of Working with an Audiologist

The FDA has made it possible to buy a hearing aid on your own, without having to meet with an audiologist. But there is a lot of value in ensuring that your hearing aid has been fitted by an audiologist. It’s a bit like going to get glasses to help you see without seeing an optician. You might buy the right glasses, but there’s a high probability that you will end up with glasses that aren’t quite correct.

When you work with an audiologist, you’ll get the benefit of excellent customer support. If you have any issue with your hearing aid, then you’ll know that the fix is just one phone call away. You’ll get a first-class experience for an amount that’s similar to the cost of buying an OTC hearing aid.

You’ll also have peace of mind that your hearing aid is effective for your specific needs. OTC hearing aids are one size fits all and only come with a limited number of settings. When you buy a prescription hearing aid, you’ll know that it’s right for your specific circumstances and that it’ll fit you perfectly. You’ll also be shown how to use it correctly.

The Bottom Line About OTC Hearing Aids

While the arrival of OTC hearing aids is good news for some people who will benefit from this type of product, it shouldn’t be thought of as a replacement for appointments with experienced audiologists who can help you to get a hearing aid that is effective and comfortable.

Contact Desert Hearing for a Hearing Examination

If you’re experiencing hearing loss then be sure to get in contact with us here at Desert Hearing at your earliest convenience to make an appointment. Our trained and experienced team is dedicated to helping you hear. We offer a wide range of in-the-ear (ITE), behind-the-ear (BTE), and in-the-canal (ITC) hearing aids, ensuring that you can find the hearing device that’s perfect for you. To schedule your appointment, call us today at (480) 374-1846 to speak with one of our helpful members of staff.