There have been a lot of questions about the differences between OTC hearing aids and prescription hearing aids that one can get at a Tucson audiologist or hearing instrument specialist office. The Over-The-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017 was signed into law on August 17, 2017, by President Trump and then went into effect on October 17, 2022. This law allowed the FDA to create a class of OTC hearing aids for adults, 18 years of age and older, who have a perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. This allows any adult to purchase this class of hearing aids directly from a retail store or online without a hearing test from a licensed Tucson audiologist or hearing instrument specialist. It is important to know that this class of hearing aids is NOT the same as prescription hearing aids that you purchase through a licensed hearing care professional in Tucson.
There has been a lot of misinformation around OTC hearing aids and what they can and cannot do. For example, they are not intended to be the same devices as prescription hearing aids that are programmed specifically for your hearing loss and are dispensed by licensed Tucson audiologists and hearing care professionals.
Prescription hearing aids are sold and dispensed through licensed hearing care professionals in Tucson audiology clinics. There are seven main manufacturers that produce prescription-based hearing aids: Phonak, Oticon, Starkey, Widex, Signia, Unitron, and Resound. These hearing aids are FDA-approved and go through rigorous testing and R&D before coming to the market. They are programmed specifically for a consumer’s hearing loss and, therefore, are customized for each individual’s hearing needs. The cost often includes the fitting, verification, follow-up care, maintenance, and hearing rehab appointments provided by licensed Tucson audiologists and hearing care providers.
What OTC Devices Are:
- They are a class of hearing aids specifically designed for adults with a perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
- They are often sold directly to consumers through online websites or in name-brand stores.
- They can be purchased directly by a consumer without having a hearing test.
- They have limited capabilities with customization for a person’s unique hearing loss since no hearing test is required.
- They can have a lower price point, often starting at around $200 for a pair.
- They are often rechargeable, can be paired with a smartphone, and have a few adjustments through an app.
- They may be appropriate for individuals who have very mild hearing loss and need hearing assistance in certain situations but are not yet prescription hearing aid candidates.
- They are self-fitting. You will not have support on how to use them or care for them, other than the instructions that come with the devices. There may be support through a phone number, website, or videos online.
What OTC Aids Are NOT:
- They are not the same devices that you can purchase through a licensed Tucson audiologist or hearing care professional.
- Support is limited to the company that makes the devices. Since they are often not programmable through manufacturer software, they cannot be taken to a licensed Tucson audiologist for programming or troubleshooting.
- Some devices can still cost thousands of dollars, and this does not include any follow-up care. Most hearing care professionals offer prescription hearing aids for the same costs, which include some follow-up care.
- They are not intended for children, single-sided deafness, or more complex hearing losses.
- They may have a limited warranty, and the warranty may not cover all malfunctions, especially from earwax or moisture.
- Serious medical issues can often be missed because a hearing test is not required, which can often determine more serious medical problems related to hearing and balance.
- An OTC device is just that—a device. It does not replace a customized, programmable hearing solution with professional Tucson audiology support.
Popular OTC Brands
Here are a few of the more popular OTC brands that can be found on the internet and in retail stores:
- Audien: This is a brand of hearing aids that are sold exclusively online and come in two styles: one that fits inside the ear (ITE) and one that fits behind the ear (BTE) with a component that goes in the ear. Both types are rechargeable. The behind-the-ear style can be paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth. The company is based in the USA.
- Jabra: A brand that has been synonymous with Bluetooth headsets in the past. This is a BTE-style device. They are rechargeable, and some can be paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth.
- Apple AirPods Pro 2: Did you know that Apple introduced a hearing aid feature in their AirPods Pro 2 in the last few months? This feature allows the consumer to turn their existing AirPods Pro 2 into an OTC hearing aid. You can enter an audiogram via your smartphone and customize a few settings for volume, treble, and bass. The downside is that with constant streaming usage, they can have a maximum wear time of six hours before needing to be recharged.
- MD Hearing Aid: Developed by a physician and based in the USA, this device has an ITE and BTE style. Both are rechargeable, and the BTE style can be paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth.
- Sennheiser: Another name brand that has been synonymous with other types of audio/visual electronics. These have an ITE and BTE option available. They are rechargeable and can be paired with a smartphone via Bluetooth.
- Nuance Audio: This brand has gotten some attention lately in the media and online as the first OTC hearing aid integrated into prescription eyeglasses. They start at $1,100, and the eyeglass prescription may be extra. They work by integrating a small amplifier in the arm of the eyeglasses that delivers sound to the ear. Nothing is worn inside the ear canal. They contain a rechargeable battery, and there is an app on a smartphone to control limited settings. They also provide in-store support in select locations.
With any OTC option, it is important to understand the pros and cons. While they are available for purchase and can be an appropriate option for some people, they should never be a substitute for prescription hearing aids. As hearing care professionals in Tucson audiology clinics, we will always advise that people have a hearing test to confirm their degree and type of hearing loss BEFORE selecting an OTC option. This is in the consumer’s best interest due to more serious medical conditions being present that can contribute to hearing loss, and a hearing test can determine if medical intervention is needed to treat a person’s hearing loss, balance, and tinnitus symptoms. Every adult should have a comprehensive hearing test at the age of 18, and routine hearing testing is recommended based on those results.
If you or a loved one are experiencing hearing loss and want to explore the best hearing aid options, schedule an appointment with a trusted Tucson audiologist today. Professional hearing evaluations and expert guidance can help you find the best solution for your needs. Contact us now to set up your consultation and take the first step toward better hearing!