Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids: Are you considering purchasing OTC hearing aids but not sure if OTC hearing aids are a good idea? That's understandable: There are many new OTC hearing aid devices on the market, but there isn't a ton of information about their pros and cons.
Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers about OTC hearing aids to help you learn more about non-OTC hearing aids.
From this article, you will learn:
- What are over-the-counter hearing aids?
- What advantages of over-the-counter hearing aids?
- Who are over-the-counter hearing aids for?
- Can children use over-the-counter hearing aids?
- What factors should you consider when choosing an over-the-counter hearing aid?
- What shape of over-the-counter hearing aid is best for you?
- Where can I buy over-the-counter hearing aids?
- How customizable are over-the-counter hearing aids?
- How to properly use over-the-counter hearing aids?
- How do you maintain your over-the-counter hearing aid machine?
- How long do over-the-counter hearing aids last?
- What is the return policy for over-the-counter hearing aids?
- Does health insurance cover hearing aids?
- Are hearing tests covered by health insurance?
- Can over-the-counter hearing aids help when you hear differently in both ears?
- How good is the customer support for over-the-counter hearing aids?
What are over-the-counter hearing aids?
Over-the-counter hearing aids were implemented to assist adults with mild to moderate hearing loss who may not require a hearing aid for every hearing situation. Over-the-counter hearing aids may help enhance speech and improve communication in people who generally have normal hearing but occasionally have difficulty hearing.
Devices traditionally called hearing aids purchased through an audiologist are now labeled by the FDA as "prescription hearing aids." Over-the-counter hearing aids have limited loudness output and functionality compared to prescription hearing aids. Both types of devices share some features, but the customization, functionality, and amount of computer processing vary greatly between them. The variety, quality, and features of over-the-counter hearing aids change every week as new over-the-counter hearing aids enter the market.
Advantages of over-the-counter hearing aids?
- Cost: They're cheaper — one online retailer has options ranging from $200 to $1,000 a pair.
- Relief: They're easy to buy—no doctor's visits or tests required.
- Convenient: You don’t need a professional fitting or adjustment.
- Sound: They are much better than hearing aids because they only amplify certain sounds.
Who are over-the-counter hearing aids for?
Over-the-counter hearing aids are designed for cognitively healthy adults with mild to moderate hearing loss who are able to communicate feedback clearly. People with mild hearing loss can hear some speech at a normal volume but cannot distinguish what is being said. People with moderate hearing loss can barely hear or hear speech at spoken volume.
Can over-the-counter hearing aids help when you hear differently in both ears?
When hearing is better in one ear than the other, a diagnostic hearing test is recommended. We usually want both ears to hear the same way. When there is a difference in hearing between the two ears, a diagnostic hearing test can help rule out more serious problems that may require more specific medical care. Hearing test results may also indicate the need to see an otologist (ear doctor). Some hearing loss can be treated with medication or surgery, and hearing aids may not be necessary.
If hearing aids are found to be an appropriate recommendation, the doctor can provide medical clearance, and over-the-counter devices or prescription hearing aids can then be discussed further with an audiologist.
Can children use over-the-counter hearing aids?
No, over-the-counter hearing aids are suitable for people over 18 years of age. Children have specific needs regarding prescription hearing aids as they grow and develop. Babies and toddlers need new earmuffs as they grow and change in ear size. Children require special techniques performed by a licensed, trained audiologist to properly program their hearing aids to the exact settings. They also need regular follow-up to monitor progress and ensure speech and language milestones are being met.
What factors should you consider when choosing an over-the-counter hearing aid?
There are some things to consider when choosing a hearing aid. The over-the-counter hearing aid market is direct-to-consumer, meaning you are both a consumer and a patient. Some prescription hearing aid manufacturers also produce over-the-counter devices with the involvement of audiologists. When researching your over-the-counter hearing aid options, consider the following:
- Durability and cost.
- Is there a trial period with the option to return the device?
- How much?
- Is this for one device or a pair of devices?
- Can I use my health insurance or HSA/FSA to purchase over-the-counter hearing aids?
- Is there a warranty for lost over-the-counter hearing aids?
- Can I have my device repaired if it stops working?
- What if it doesn't fit my ears? Is it waterproof?
- Ease of use and functionality Do I need a smartphone to use over-the-counter hearing aids?
- Do I need to install an app on my phone to adjust the device?
- Does it work on iPhone and Android phones?
- Is the device rechargeable or does the battery need to be replaced weekly?
- Are the over-the-counter hearing aids Bluetooth compatible and can I stream my calls and music?
- Can I take a hearing test to have my over-the-counter device adjusted to better meet my hearing needs?
- Are there online support or telemedicine options?
What shape of over-the-counter hearing aid is best for you?
Like prescription hearing aids, over-the-counter devices come in two basic shapes: in-ear or behind-the-ear. In-ear ear aids tend to be smaller, sometimes small enough to fit completely inside the ear canal. Behind-the-ear assistive devices consist of a connection: a housing that contains the device hardware and sits behind the ear, and a receiver that sits in the ear canal or earbud.
Does one shape work better than another? "I actually tend to think that whatever hearing aid you want to wear, you're going to wear it more, you like wearing it, and you should choose that one," said Laura Coco, assistant professor in the College of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences at San Diego State University. Coco) said. However, behind-the-ear headphones tend to be slightly better at filtering out background noise, she said.
Smaller devices also tend to be more difficult to operate and clean, and may have fewer features such as wireless audio streaming, said Dr. Anna Jilla, assistant professor of audiology at Lamar University in Beaumont, Texas.
Where can I buy over-the-counter hearing aids ?
You can purchase over-the-counter hearing aids in person at a store or through an online retailer without a physical exam, prescription, or fitting adjustment from an audiologist.
You can also purchase over-the-counter hearing aids from a hearing care professional (an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser). These professionals can perform hearing tests and hearing aid evaluations. You can request records of your hearing evaluation from your hearing care professional or purchase hearing aids elsewhere.
Before purchasing an over-the-counter hearing aid, you should check the outer packaging label. If you cannot find the outer packaging label, please contact the seller or manufacturer. Over-the-counter hearing aid regulations require important information to be displayed on the outer packaging label for consumers to review before purchasing an over-the-counter hearing aid.
How customizable are over-the-counter hearing aids?
There are two types of over-the-counter hearing aids: self-fitting and preset. Adaptive aids tend to be more expensive, but they are subject to more FDA review than presets, which means you can be more confident that they've been proven effective. Adaptive over-the-counter aids are more customizable.
With self-fitting hearing aids, you will typically use a smartphone app during the initial setup to help you adjust the device to your specific hearing problems. In addition to determining the level of amplification required, these apps can zero in on factors like the frequencies of sounds you have the hardest time hearing.
Because adaptive hearing aids can be more refined than preset hearing aids, they may give you a greater chance of getting the best setting for your needs, said Nicholas, assistant professor of audiology at the Johns Hopkins Center for Cochlear Hearing and Public Health. Reed said.
But some users may find the self-fitting process difficult. Moreover, not everyone has access to adaptive aids. For example, Jabra's Enhance Plus self-fitting hearing aids only work with Apple devices, so check before buying. Preset over-the-counter aids come with a number of built-in programs, each suitable for varying degrees of hearing loss in the mild to moderate range. But for many users, these may be enough. A 2021 study published in the American Journal of Audiology found that devices with presets met the hearing needs of 68% of older adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
How to properly use over-the-counter hearing aids?
Getting used to wearing hearing aids takes time and practice. You should wear your hearing aids regularly and become familiar with their functions. You may need to practice putting your hearing aids in and out, and learn to adjust program settings in different listening environments. If you feel you are not benefiting from over-the-counter hearing aids, consider consulting a hearing care professional.
How do you maintain your over-the-counter hearing aid machine?
Routine cleaning should include removing any buildup of wax or debris. You should also use a microfiber or other soft cloth to wipe down the entire device. If applicable, use an approved disinfectant spray. We recommend storing your hearing aids in a dehumidifier at night to help extend the life of the device.
How long do over-the-counter hearing aids last?
The average lifespan of a hearing aid is five years, with most manufacturers claiming a lifespan of three to seven years. The life cycle of hearing aids can vary greatly depending on how often they are used, the amount of physical wear and impact they endure, and how well they are maintained.
The type of battery used in a hearing aid also affects its lifespan. Rechargeable batteries eventually reduce capacity and become exhausted. This is a problem caused by the physical characteristics of rechargeable batteries. This is also a problem that plagues truly wireless earbuds - if the device is designed in a way that the rechargeable battery can't be repaired or refurbished, the device's lifespan is limited.
Devices with replaceable batteries don't have this problem, but they come with their own drawbacks, including increased cost over time, the inconvenience of carrying backup power, and the fact that the battery replacement process can be frustrating for people with dexterity challenges . Which option you choose ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Many experts we spoke with recommend that in addition to annual hearing exams, hearing aid users re-evaluate every five years or so whether their hearing aids are still a good fit. This is an important step because hearing abilities change over time, and technology may have advanced over the years to better meet your needs. Of course, if your device is running fine and you're happy with the performance, no changes are necessary.
What is the return policy for over-the-counter hearing aids?
It takes time to get used to hearing aids and figure out if they are really the right fit for you. A return policy of at least one month should give you a chance to try your over-the-counter hearing aid thoroughly, but if it doesn't adequately help you, send it back. When shopping, also compare the warranty periods of different products.
Do health insurance cover hearing aids?
Hearing aid coverage varies by insurance company and plan. Some insurances cover prescription hearing aids. In Maryland, many adult medically assisted patients can obtain hearing aids through an approved process completed by an audiologist. Some private insurance plans cover all or part of the total cost of hearing aids. Medicare currently does not cover hearing aids. There are financial assistance programs that allow patients to apply for and receive new hearing aids.
Are hearing tests covered by health insurance?
Yes, most health insurance covers hearing tests. The billing code, or CPT code, used by audiologists for diagnostic hearing testing is 92557 (Comprehensive Audiology Evaluation).
Can over-the-counter hearing aids help when you hear differently in both ears?
When hearing is better in one ear than the other, a diagnostic hearing test is recommended. We usually want both ears to hear the same way. When there is a difference in hearing between the two ears, a diagnostic hearing test can help rule out more serious problems that may require more specific medical care. Hearing test results may also indicate the need to see an otologist (ear doctor). Some hearing loss can be treated with medication or surgery, and hearing aids may not be necessary.
If hearing aids are found to be an appropriate recommendation, the doctor can provide medical clearance, and over-the-counter devices or prescription hearing aids can then be discussed further with an audiologist.
How good is over-the-counter hearing aid customer support?
One of the advantages of purchasing your hearing aids through an audiologist or other hearing specialist is that you have an expert to help you figure out how to customize, use, and troubleshoot your hearing aids.
This support could make a difference. In one study, people who got their hearing aids through an audiologist or over-the-counter experienced similar benefits, but those who saw an audiologist reported being more satisfied with their hearing aids. It would be unfortunate if people who could benefit from over-the-counter hearing aids end up not using them because of inadequate aid, said study author Larry Humes, Ph.D., distinguished professor emeritus of speech, language and hearing sciences at Indiana University.
"Not because the device is bad, but because it meets FDA guidelines, it's a high-quality device," he said. “However, all the additional support people need in adapting to their hearing aids can often be provided through an audiologist.
Therefore, it’s crucial to know exactly what support you will receive for the hearing aids you purchase, including support dates and times, how long after purchase, and what types of specialists will be available. For example, while most companies have phone-based customer support, in some cases the person you contact when you call may not have any specific expertise in hearing aids. Other companies will connect you with a licensed hearing care professional over the phone or even at a walk-in store in your area.
