Do you hear reasonably well but feel you might be experiencing early signs of hearing loss? If you’re curious about hearing aid technology but are not ready to make the jump to prescription hearing aids, an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid might be an option for you.
What Are OTC Hearing Aids?
OTC hearing aids are designed for adults with self-perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss symptoms. Consumers can purchase OTC hearing aids in drugstores or online directly without a comprehensive hearing test or prescription from a hearing professional.
OTC hearing aids are categorized as “medical devices,” which means manufacturers must adhere to strict health and safety quality standards set by the FDA. This means consumers can shop confidently knowing OTC devices on the market are safe and accurately labeled.
What is the Difference Between OTC and Prescription Hearing Aids?
OTC hearing aids are simplistic in design and offer a one-size-fits-most solution to mild hearing loss but are not recommended for more profound cases. As mentioned above, consumers can purchase OTC hearing aids in-store or online, which is not the case for prescription devices.
Prescription hearing aids are more technologically advanced than OTC devices and are designed to treat various types of hearing loss, from mild to the most severe cases. A hearing evaluation from a healthcare professional is required, enabling them to make more personalized recommendations based on your specific needs. After a hearing aid is selected, your provider will fit your hearing aid to your ear anatomy and program the amplification and frequency settings to your unique needs. In the event you need any adjustments, your professional will be happy to schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure your devices are working properly.
OTC hearing aids are not approved for use in children, as they are self-programmed and the risk of having incorrect amplification could result in irreversible damage to hearing. Additionally, adults with moderate-to-profound, unilateral or sudden hearing loss or conditions like tinnitus, should seek care from a licensed healthcare provider to receive the testing and customization needed to improve their listening experience. More complex instances of hearing loss or those with associated conditions will typically require the use of prescription devices.
