With the good news that people will have more options for purchasing hearing aids, also comes a lot of questions. I hope to provide answers and information that may help people save money and achieve the best results. Hearing aids are a significant cost and that is an important factor. For some individuals, OTC hearing devices are a good option, but they are not meant for everyone. Seeing a hearing specialist before spending money on any hearing device can help ensure you spend your money wisely. Many audiologists do not make commissions on hearing aid sales. I’m here to make the best recommendation based on your specific situation and listening needs. And, of course, there is no obligation to take my recommendation, but please know that I don’t want you to waste your money either! General information about OTC devices OTC hearing aids may be sold over the counter starting in October 2022, such as in retail stores and online. The purchase of the OTC devices does not require a hearing evaluation or a consultation with a hearing care professional. One goal of OTC hearing aids is to provide more timely access to lower cost devices. A hearing evaluation with an audiologist is still considered a good first step in order to find out if you would be a candidate for an OTC device or if you require a prescription hearing aid. Hearing evaluations are often covered by your medical insurance, but it is always a good idea to double check your specific coverage. OTC hearing aids are improving the access and affordability of amplification devices, but the first step would be to see a licensed audiologist to determine if you would be a candidate for an OTC device and to rule out any underlying medical conditions. Why should I see an audiologist when I can purchase an over-the-counter hearing aid? People have varying perceptions of their levels of hearing loss and may have more severe hearing loss than they perceive. An audiologist can determine your exact degree of hearing loss and help determine whether you’re a good candidate for an OTC hearing aid. There are also medical conditions with hearing loss that require further medical evaluation and need to be ruled out, such has one sided hearing loss or a sudden onset of hearing loss. If you are under the age of 18 you are not able to obtain OTC devices and will require further medical evaluation by an audiologist or other hearing provider. Audiologists and hearing care providers offer more advanced support and services with your prescribed hearing aids to better serve each unique patient. What are the differences between OTC hearing aids and prescription hearing aids? OTC hearing aids are self-fitting and do not require a hearing evaluation prior to a purchase. They have lesser technology and sound processing in the devices and cannot be adjusted by audiologists or dispensers. There are specific regulations on the sound output of the devices making them safe to use. They are not fit based on an individual’s hearing loss and are only meant for those who have mild to moderate hearing loss. Prescription hearing aids have specific sound processing and higher levels of technology in the devices. They are specifically programmed for your hearing loss and based on how the sound is processed in your ear. Audiologists can make several fine-tuning adjustments to prescription devices to help with sound processing. These devices can also be repaired by the audiologist or the manufacturer. Prescription hearing aids can also compensate for a wider range of hearing losses. Why is the price of OTC hearing aids different from prescription hearing aids? OTC hearing aids have lesser technology and sound processing making them less expensive and they do not include professional fees that are associated with prescription hearing aids, such as the fitting and adjustments of the devices. OTC hearing aids are a good option for some individuals, but they are more of a one-size-fits-all solution where as a prescription hearing aid is fit to your specific hearing loss and listening needs. We’re here to help! To schedule an appointment in our Audiology department, call 507.474.3065.
Kaitlyn Ostrowski, AuD, Audiology, Winona Health
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