Over-the-counter hearing aids are finally available

By Noah Kuszak

Odds are, you know someone that has experienced some form of hearing loss. It’s estimated that 37.5 million American adults have experienced some sort of hearing loss. Up to 28.8 million of those adults could benefit from hearing aids, but only 16% have ever tried them.

For many, cost and accessibility has been a barrier to getting hearing aids, but this is now a thing of the past with new over the counter (OTC) hearing aids.

WHO QUALIFIES FOR OTC HEARING AIDS?

Your first question may be who can get their hands on these new OTC hearing aids. Anyone over the age of 18 that has perceived mild to moderate hearing loss can purchase OTC hearing aids.

Here are some signs that you or someone you know may be experiencing hearing loss:

• Speech or other sounds seem muffled.

• You have trouble hearing while in a group or if there is a lot of background noise.

• You have trouble hearing others during phone calls.

• You ask others to speak slower, talk clearer or louder.

• Asking others to repeat themselves often.

• Turning up the volume on the TV or radio louder than others around you.

Most people with hearing loss qualify, but the new devices aren’t for everyone. They may not have enough power to aid someone with severe hearing loss.

Additionally, due to the “one size fits all” model of these devices, a physical deformity of the ear would require a custom fitting with an audiologist.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF OTC HEARING AIDS?

Hearing loss is a serious condition. Not only does it decrease quality of life, but studies have shown that it leads to loneliness, isolation, and may even increase the risk of dementia. OTC hearing aids enable individuals with hearing loss to take back their lives so that they can enjoy them to their fullest. These devices not only significantly improve the lives of people with hearing loss, but they are also cheaper and much easier to get than typical prescription hearing aids.

Prescription hearing aids cost on average about 4,600 dollars per pair and as high as 12,000 dollars.

For many Americans, this would make it their third largest purchase behind a home or car.

(David Kohll of Kohll’s RX)