OVER-THE-COUNTER HEARING AIDS

Latest Options For Those Suffering From Hearing Loss

Story by LAKE REGIONAL HEALTH SYSTEM

Anew U.S. Food and Drug Administration rule means you now can buy a hearing aid without a prescription, a hearing test or even a fitting. But does that make over-the-counter hearing aids the best response to your hearing loss struggle?

“Not everyone will benefit from the new over-the-counter option,” says Lake Regional Audiologist Stephanie Tittle, AuD. “The fi rst step should always be to see an audiologist to determine whether you are even a candidate for an over-the-counter hearing aid.”

WHAT CHANGED?

Before the new rule, you could buy hearing aids only with a prescription from an audiologist or other hearing care professional, who is trained to evaluate, recommend, fit and adjust the devices for you and your speci fic hearing needs. Now, hearing aids are available in brick-andmortar stores and online.

Ordering OTC hearing aids online may sound easier and faster than obtaining a prescription, but it is extremely important to note that these devices will be of lower quality than prescriptive level hearing aids and will have fewer features and fi ne-tuning.

“Think of OTC hearing aids like reading glasses,” Dr. Tittle says. “You may need them for speci fic situations but would not wear them all the time.”

More To Know

It’s also important to note that OTC hearing aids are never for children or teenagers younger than 18.

“This age group needs prescribed hearing aids to meet their complex educational and communication needs,” Dr. Tittle says.

As for adults, OTC hearing aids are an option only for those who think they have mild to moderate hearing loss, based on their symptoms.

“It’s tricky because people cannot accurately judge their own hearing levels,” Dr. Tittle says. “That’s why seeing an audiologist fi rst is critical.”