It is not uncommon to see false advertising claims, such as personal sound amplification products or hearables advertised as over-the-counter hearing aids. In other words, all the hearing devices listed above may look similar to one another and may be hard to distinguish just by their appearance.īecause of the variety of devices on the market, you should read product labels to make sure you’re not confusing over-the-counter hearing aids with other technologies. But as technology advances, many of them may have functions similar to hearing aids. None of the products in those categories are regulated, because they are not considered medical devices. The third fall under consumer audio, like headphones. A second type are called hearables, like wireless earbuds designed for listening to music or tracking fitness. These include personal sound amplification products, which serve as hearing enhancement devices for individuals with normal hearing. In addition, there are three other categories of hearing-related devices to be aware of. But over-the-counter devices come either in self-fitting types – meaning they adjust to the wearer’s hearing after self-testing – or preset, a type that is less individualized. Conventional hearing aids are tailored to fit by a hearing care professional. The newly available over-the-counter hearing aids add to a range of existing devices, including conventional prescription hearing aids and self-fitting hearing devices. Food and Drug Administration estimates that 30 million Americans could benefit from hearing aids. Our aim is to present a balanced view on what is known about over-the-counter aids based on academic research – and provide you tips on what to know when shopping for these devices. We have also conducted research on over-the-counter hearing aids. Yet others say they won’t work optimally, as the device may be of poor quality, or consumers may not self-diagnose or customize the device appropriately.Īs audiologists specializing in hearing care, we are actively involved in health care research and the clinical care of people with a range of hearing disorders. Some people view them as a tremendous innovation. These devices are intended only for people with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.įor millions of Americans, these over-the-counter hearing aids are easier to access and less expensive than prescription versions. Food and Drug Administration’s ruling in August 2022, nonprescription over-the-counter hearing aids went on sale at pharmacies, supermarkets and consumer electronic stores on Oct. Over-the-counter models would not be suitable for adults with severe hearing loss or for children.Following the U.S. OTC hearing aids are intended for adults with "mild to moderate hearing loss," according to the FDA's new regulations. Those requirements were unnecessary and served as "red tape and a barrier to more companies selling hearing aids," said the White House in a statement. The cost of all those services were rolled into the sticker price of the hearing aids. ![]() That required a visit to an audiologist or a specialist physician, with a full-fledged hearing test and medical evaluation. Until the FDA was ordered to change its rules, hearing aids could only be obtained in the U.S. ![]() There's broad consensus that this change will make hearing aids more affordable for millions of Americans who need them. (Derek Hooper/CBC) Why are over-the-counter hearing aids a big deal? She regularly checks in with her audiologist to ensure her hearing aids are working properly. Ginny Merringer gets her hearing tested at the University Health Network's Munk Hearing Centre in Toronto.
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