Who Should Get Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids?

Over-the-counter hearing aids were created following several studies that revealed that only 1 out of 4 adults who need hearing aids get them because of 2 main barriers:

1. The accessibility of hearing aids
2. The affordability of hearing aids

To try to overcome these two barriers, the FDA was tasked with creating a new category of government-regulated hearing aids, like traditional hearing aids, called over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids.

Over-the-counter hearing aids, according to the FDA, are intended for adults with “perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.” But, who should get over-the-counter hearing aids versus considering traditional prescription hearing aids?

The FDA requires specific labeling on the packaging of OTC hearing aids and one of the things they require is about who OTC hearing aids are intended for. Specifically the OTC labeling must say:

“This hearing aid is for adults with signs of mild to moderate hearing loss. How do you know if you have this?

• You have trouble hearing in noisy places
• You find it hard to follow speech in groups
• You have trouble hearing on the phone
• Listening makes you tired
• You need to turn up the volume on the TV or radio, and other people complain it’s too loud.”

Who else should get OTC hearing aids?

Yes, OTC hearing aids may be a great solution for those with mild to moderate hearing loss but there are some other things to consider when recommending who should get over-the-counter hearing aids.

1. Those who have normal hearing when tested but still struggle with one of the situations listed above.

If you have had a hearing test and were told that you “passed” or that your hearing was “normal” but you still struggle, even in some limited situations, then you can still benefit from OTC hearing aids. Use the questions below from the HHIE-S questionnaire as a guide to whether you could have a hearing handicap. Give yourself a 4 for every “yes” and a 2 for every “sometimes”. A score of 10 or above means you have a 50% probability of a hearing impairment and should consider an OTC hearing aid.

• Does a hearing problem cause you to feel embarrassed when you meet new people?
• Does a hearing problem cause you to feel frustrated when talking to members of your family?
• Do you have difficulty hearing when someone speaks in a whisper?
• Do you feel handicapped by a hearing problem?
• Does a hearing problem cause you difficulty when visiting friends, relatives, or neighbors?
• Does a hearing problem cause you to attend religious services less often than you would like?
• Does a hearing problem cause you to have arguments with family members? Does a hearing problem cause you difficulty when listening to TV or radio?
• Do you feel that any difficulty with your hearing limits or hampers your personal or social life?
• Does a hearing problem cause you difficulty when in a restaurant with relatives or friends?

2. Those who are able to fit the device correctly on their ear

Since OTC hearing aids are the do-it-yourself (DIY) version of hearing aids, you will need to be able to choose the right size eartip (many OTC hearing aids come with a few options) and fit it on or in your ear correctly. An ill-fitting hearing aid will never work as it is intended to.

To help with needs like this I have created the Dr Hearing Loss teleaudiology services. Schedule your OTC hearing consult today and get help that you need.

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3. Those who can manage a smartphone app and Bluetooth connectivity

Most OTC hearing aids require a smartphone app (and therefore Bluetooth connectivity) in order to create the settings needed for the hearing problem, or to adjust settings. If you are uncomfortable with smartphone apps or troubleshooting Bluetooth connections then I would not recommend an OTC hearing aid.

If you already have an OTC hearing aid and are struggling with connecting it to the app or figuring out what changes to make on the app to get the hearing aid sounding better, schedule your OTC hearing aid consult with me today and get the help that you need.

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4. Those who are able to select an appropriate device based on their needs

Do you know what style or size device you need? Do you need rechargeable or replaceable batteries in the device? Do you need specific features in the device, like a telecoil. If you can’t answer these questions then you should seek guidance before purchasing a hearing aid.

To help with needs like this I have created the Dr Hearing Loss teleaudiology services. Schedule your OTC hearing consult today and get help that you need.

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5. Those who believe in self-treatment of their hearing loss

Over-the-counter hearing aids in most cases leave the hearing professional out of the process. If you are comfortable with treating your hearing loss yourself and have no other concerns, like pain or drainage from the ear, dizziness, etc that should be addressed by a healthcare professional, then you are OK to proceed with OTC.

6. Those who are motivated to wear hearing aids and believe it has the potential to improve their lifestyle

If you’re not going to commit to wearing the hearing aids then don’t waste your money on OTC hearing aids, or any hearing aids for that matter. The first day or week, or maybe even the first month you wear them it is going to be different. Hearing aids, no matter if they are OTC or prescription, take some getting used to so you must commit to the process in order to see the benefits.

7. Those with realistic expectations about what the hearing aid can do

Hearing aids are advanced devices that help aid an individual with hearing loss to hear better. However, hearing aids are not your ears or your brain so they cannot overcome ever difficulty you may have in your hearing ability. Going into it with realistic expectations and knowing there are still going to be times you struggle to hear, even with your hearing aids, will leave you much more satisfied with the positive results you are getting.

8. Those who don’t have insurance coverage for hearing aids

If you are one of the few in the United States that have a hearing aid benefit through your health insurance then take advantage of it and get a high-quality prescription hearing aid and professional support. to find out whether you have a hearing aid benefit, call your insurance company or talk to your human resources department.

9. Those who need an affordable hearing aid solution

The average cost of a pair of OTC hearing aids is much less than the average cost of prescription hearing aids. If you need a budget-friendly hearing solution then OTC hearing aids were designed for that purpose.

10. You only want to use hearing aids in specific situations, i.e. going into a noisy social environment.

You may not want to spend thousands of dollars on prescription hearing aids if you feel like you will only need them or wear them in limited situations. If your hearing loss is not negatively effecting your daily life and you only need help in 1-2 situations then an OTC hearing aid would be a good solution for you.

To find out which OTC hearing aid would work best for you for your specific situation, get a free recommendation from me by scheduling an online appointment using the button below.

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