Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

A New Class of Hearing Aids

FDA Approves Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled on August 16, 2022, legalization of ‘Over-the-Counter’ or OTC hearing aids that will take effect within 60 days (estimated mid-October 2022). These products will be available online and in stores to customers without the need of a licensed hearing professional to test or fit the products. What does this mean for you, and how are these products different from hearing aids currently available today?

What Does Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Mean?

Over-the-Counter hearing aids are a new class of hearing devices. Different from traditional or prescription hearing aids, these hearing devices do not require a hearing test or licensed hearing professional to fit. Over-the-Counter hearing aids come with general settings with the ability to make small, limited adjustments, typically lumping low and high frequencies. There is also a mandatory volume control. These hearing aids are only designed to assist someone with mild to moderate self-perceived hearing loss.

Benefits of

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

  • Price Tag: Traditional hearing aids are seen as expensive because the cost includes the devices along with the service and expertise of the hearing professional.
  • One Size Fits Most: Over-the-Counter hearing aids are designed for the user to be able to open the box and use the product immediately. This is possible with a generic fit and removal of customizations. Most Over-the-Counter devices come with simple buttons and/or a smartphone app connection for customizations and volume control.
  • Combining Safety and Help: The FDA passed a law limiting the power and output of Over-the-Counter hearing aids for patient safety. These devices are beneficial for patients with mild to moderate self-perceived hearing loss. This means that a patient does not need a hearing test to purchase. Patients still can purchase an Over-the-Counter device after going to a certified hearing professional for a hearing exam.

Limitations of

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

  • Unknown Hearing Loss or Issues: Much like eyesight, hearing loss comes in a variety of types and pose different challenges. Hearing loss comes in a variety of types including sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss; each type of hearing loss impacts different frequencies and may require differing treatment methods. The lack of a physical ear examination may lead to other unnoticed potential issues that can show similar hearing loss symptoms such as ear drum damage or simple wax buildup.
  • One Size Fit Most: Over-the-Counter hearing aids are like generic reading glasses. They are one size fits most with limited customization for comfort. These devices may help if you need a mild correction but will not be specifically designed for your exact needs. Your ears are unique and what you might find comfortable may not be comfortable to the next patient.
  • Lack of Service: Over-the-Counter hearing aids come with little to no professional service or assistance. For the most part, it is a do-it-yourself solution. The lack of regular cleanings, verification, and monitoring of your specific hearing loss leaves room for doubt. Is this device truly helping me? How well does this adjustment fit my needs? Is there a bigger issue or wax build up? These questions plus more stay unanswered.

How Do Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Differ from Traditional Prescription Hearing Aids?

Traditional prescription hearing aids are specifically customized for your needs and comfort.  A licensed hearing professional takes you through a series of physical exams and audio tests to understand your specific hearing needs. The hearing professional will help you determine which hearing aids are right for you and your lifestyle. They can adjust the devices frequencies to match your specific hearing loss needs. The hearing aid can be physically molded to your ear for added comfort resulting in the most natural sounding hearing solution possible.

What Services are Included with Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids?

Typically, Over-the-Counter hearing aids are self-fit with no assistance or support from a licensed hearing professional. At Better Hearing Center, we believe that everyone should experience the joy of hearing. That is why we are offering annual exams and troubleshooting appointments to all hearing aid wearers. Regardless of what manufacturer or where you purchased your hearing aids, we want to help ensure you are hearing to the best of your ability.

To find out more about our services, click here.

What Levels of Hearing Loss are Treatable with Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids?

The FDA limits Over-the-Counter hearing aids to mild-to-moderate self-identified hearing loss only. This is to protect patients from potential harm of over amplification which can result in permanent damage and significant hearing loss. Prescription hearing aids that are fit by a licensed hearing professional can work for all levels of hearing loss from mild to profound.

Are Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Right for Everyone?

Hearing is essential to our everyday lives. We encourage annual monitoring of your hearing health to keep a watchful eye on changes. Getting the support you need early will ensure you maintain connected to those around you and so you can hear your very best.

There is a new category of hearing aids that are now available over-the-counter. This category will be a great option for many, but is not right for everyone. It’s a good idea to consult a hearing professional on your unique hearing loss and needs to guide you to the right solution for you.

OTC

Hearing Aids

No professional fitting or support provided.

For ages 18+

No hearing evaluation is required

One size fits most

No state requirements for return policy

For perceived mild to moderate hearing loss

Come with self-guided instructions

Prescription

Hearing Aids

Hearing aid programmed and supported by a professional

For all ages

A hearing evaluation is required

Standard and customized options are available

Return policy is mandated by the state

For any degree of hearing loss; hearing aid is programmed to the individual hearing loss profile (audiogram)

Follow-up care and instructions provided by a professional

How Will I Know What My Hearing Loss is?

There are several online hearing tests available, and you can try ours here! However, they are not diagnostic medical tests. The only way to determine hearing loss or if you may need hearing aid solutions, is to schedule a hearing exam with a licensed hearing professional. Both an audiogram and a physical examination are required to determine hearing loss. 

Clinically, hearing loss falls into different degrees. Mild, moderate, severe, and profound are some of the most common degrees with variations in between. Your hearing loss degree depends on your ability to hear different pitches (frequencies) at different volumes (decibels dB). Hearing threshold of mild loss is 26-40 dB, moderate is 41-55 dB, severe is 71-90 dB and profound is over 91dB.

No matter what type of hearing aids you choose to try, our hearing aid specialist(s) can help ensure all your hearing healthcare needs are addressed over time as your hearing demands change. The first step would be to call or book your appointment online for a complimentary hearing screening.

Hearing loss is as unique as a fingerprint. While Over-the-Counter hearing aids may be a starting point for some, there are many considerations when choosing the correct treatment for your hearing loss. We recommend partnering with a hearing health professional to find the solution that is right for you. Get the individual treatment you need, schedule your appointment today.

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Patient Reviews

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Better Hearing Center is a great choice. I was able to get in right away and did not have to wait. The staff was very friendly and the Dr was very professional and accommodating. I was made to feel very comfortable and the process was very easy. Highly recommend.

Reviewer Profile Photo Marilyn Erickson, on Google

Very good experience. On time and very knowledgeable.

Reviewer Profile Photo Keith Klos, on Google

My husband and I highly recommend Better Hearing Center for your hearing needs. My husband purchased hearing aids about 3 months ago and I just purchased hearing aids. Prior to this we were using OTC hearing aids - what a difference the Starkey hearing aids are in quality and performance....

Reviewer Profile Photo Roxan Fennigkoh, on Google

So impressed by their customer service. Very clean office and everyone was very professional and kind. Easy to work with.

Reviewer Profile Photo Joy Critzman, on Google

Fast & friendly service for quarterly service of hearing aids.

Reviewer Profile Photo Dennis Stone, on Google

Very easy appointment and very informative.

Reviewer Profile Photo Scott Huntress, on Google

It is nice that this is a multigenerational business that has long term ties to our community. They really deliver when it comes to products and services. They go the extra mile to help you when you need to be seen or have a question. And you are definitely known...

Reviewer Profile Photo Lynn Krenz, on Google

Celeste cleaned my mother’s hearing aids quickly and professionally. Thank you so much for your help and pleasant demeanor.

Reviewer Profile Photo Diane Krueger, on Google

Friendly staff, great support. Always very helpful with questions and simple hearing aid issues, even when I just stop in without an appointment.

Reviewer Profile Photo Jann Ryder, on Google

Phone calls are coming to my left hearing aid now. There is no evidence that the bicros is working both ways for music. So it is mostly good now. Thanks. John

Reviewer Profile Photo John Hempstead, on Google

Prompt and thorough exam with great explanations of the findings. I will definitely be getting some hearing aids in the near future. Thank you for a wonderful experience.

Reviewer Profile Photo Brian Beard, on Google

Courteous, professional, quick, and efficient. Good experience all the way around .

Reviewer Profile Photo James O'Dea, on Google

Always helpful. Very knowledgeable.

Reviewer Profile Photo Todd Kazemba, on Google

Long ago, Tom Vierling, the dad of this terrific family business, addressed my hearing needs with great professionalism and integrity… Decades later, I am a returning customer, and I want to share that this team of providers (Sean and Celeste) provides THE BEST service! They also are extremely helpful around...

Reviewer Profile Photo Andrea Van Sickle, on Google

Very friendly and helpful. Easy to work with. Would highly recommend.

Reviewer Profile Photo Patti Retzlaff, on Google

I have to say that I am very pleased with the Better Hearing staff. They are very friendly, professional, and really helpful. Better Hearing makes me feel cared for.

Reviewer Profile Photo Quito, on Google

They knew what was wrong right away it was me I had too much wax in my ear

Reviewer Profile Photo lyndon jackson, on Google

Had a great experience . Felt very comfortable with Sean and never felt pressured into anything.

Reviewer Profile Photo Janet Ekern, on Google

Very knowledgeable and accommodating. And very friendly.

Reviewer Profile Photo Michael Harris, on Google

Very prompt and pleasant

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