Adults with mild to moderate hearing impairment can now buy hearing aids over the counter without an exam or prescription.
A recent rule change by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in August made it possible for the devices to be sold in stores without consulting a physician. This means there is no need to have an exam, get a prescription, or be fitted for a hearing aid by an audiologist.
The new guidelines by the FDA have standards for safety, labeling, volume control, and effectiveness.
Experts say the difference between over-the-counter hearing aids and traditional hearing aids fitted by a professional can make a difference in long-term relief.
Improperly adjusted devices can worsen hearing loss over time, so it is recommended to get regular hearing tests to monitor progress.
According to Boys Town National Research Hospital, mild and moderate hearing loss is described as:
Mild Hearing Loss: 25-40 dB – Difficulty hearing and understanding quiet/soft conversations, especially situations with a lot of background noise (restaurants, classrooms, etc.)
Moderate Hearing Loss: 40-60 dB – Difficulty understanding speech, higher volume levels are required for hearing TV and radio
Retail hearing aids are not recommended for children or people with severe hearing impairment.
Savings to the consumer, according to the White House, are estimated to be around $3,000 by buying the over-the-counter devices.
Consumers will be faced with many options when purchasing over-the-counter hearing aids. Retailers such as Walgreens, Walmart, Best Buy, and many more will offer different brands for various prices. It is up to the consumer to research which device is right for them.
Source: WBKO
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