Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are a new category of hearing aids defined and regulated by the FDA that are available for purchase online or in stores without a prescription or recommendation from a licensed hearing professional. Over-the-counter hearing aids are intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Check out this post to learn more about OTC hearing aids.
The Best OTC Hearing Aids of 2024
Here is a breakdown of the best over-the-counter-hearing aids available right now, including their pros and cons, notable features, and why we think they are one of the best. We will be updating this list regularly.
What are the benefits of OTC hearing aids?
There are some pros to OTC hearing aids including:
- Affordability: OTC hearing aids are typically much more affordable than traditional prescription hearing aids. This makes them a more accessible option for people with hearing loss who may not be able to afford the high cost of traditional hearing aids.
- Convenience: OTC hearing aids can be purchased and used without the need for a hearing exam or prescription from an audiologist. This makes them a more convenient option for people who want to get started with hearing aids quickly and easily.
- Access: OTC hearing aids are available for purchase online and in stores, which makes them more accessible to people who live in rural areas or who do not have easy access to an audiologist.
What are the drawbacks of OTC hearing aids?
There are some cons to OTC hearing aids including:
- Limited candidacy: They may not be effective for everyone. OTC hearing aids are designed to treat mild to moderate hearing loss. They may not be effective for people with more severe hearing loss.
- Comfort: They may not be comfortable. OTC hearing aids are not custom-fitted to the individual’s ear. This can make them uncomfortable to wear, especially for extended periods of time.
- Ease of Use: They may not be easy to use. OTC hearing aids can be more difficult to use than traditional hearing aids, especially since you are learning how to work them on your own. They may not have all of the features and benefits of traditional hearing aids, such as automatic noise cancellation and directional microphones.
Are OTC Hearing aids as good as prescription hearing aids?
The first study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) looked at the effectiveness of a self-fitting OTC hearing aid versus the same hearing aid fit by an audiologist. They concluded that there was no statistically significant difference in the benefits between the self-fit OTC hearing aid compared to the audiologist-fitted hearing aid.
A second study published in the American Journal of Audiology looked at real-world benefits of OTC hearing aids in comparison to conventional hearing care professional service delivery models. The hearing aid benefit and satisfaction was measured for both sets of hearing aid users using the International Outcome Inventory for Hearing Aids. The results revealed that there was no significant difference between hearing aid users who purchased OTC hearing aids and those using hearing aids fit by a hearing care professional.
Regardless of whether you want to purchase an OTC hearing aid or a traditional prescription hearing aid, the best way to choose the right hearing aid for you is to talk to a hearing healthcare professional. They can help you assess your hearing needs, considering your lifestyle and your budget, and recommend the best hearing aid for you. At Dr. Hearing Loss I would be happy to have an online consultation with you to discuss your hearing needs and make a recommendation for you on the specific hearing aid that would work best for you.
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