Over-The-Counter hearing aids may seem like the solution to your hearing loss, but buyer beware. Keep reading to learn more about over-the-counter hearing aids.
Hearing loss is something that over 15% of American adults suffer from. As we age, hearing loss becomes an inevitable reminder that the body, and its functions, wear down over time. There are many other reasons people experience hearing loss, besides age, however any hearing loss can cause feelings of isolation and frustration to those dealing with it.
Luckily, most hearing loss can be helped with the support of hearing aids. The levels of hearing loss include moderate, mild, and severe. Diagnosing what level your hearing loss is at should be done by a licensed audiologist, however some people self-diagnose their hearing loss and turn to OTC (Over-The-Counter) hearing aids.
The Story Behind OTC Hearing Aids
In October of 2022, the FDA passed legislation that made it easy for anyone over the age of 18 to obtain over-the-counter hearing aids. This legislation was passed because there was concern about the cost, access, and quality of many prescription hearing aids on the market. However, there is even greater concern from hearing care professionals about the quality and validity of over-the-counter hearing aids.
OTC hearing aids are less expensive than prescription hearing aids, which tends to be the main reason people buy them. They are also readily available for purchase online, at local pharmacies, or in retail outlets like Costco and Walmart making them easy to obtain. However, there are many reasons why OTC hearing aids are not the right choice for someone dealing with hearing loss.
Disadvantages of OTC Hearing Aids
Hearing aids are medical devices meant to treat a medical problem: hearing loss. Manufacturing your own hearing aid prescription is basically what you’re doing when you purchase OTC hearing aids. Not only can diagnosing your own medical issue (hearing loss) and selecting your own treatment (OTC hearing aids) result in not helping your hearing issue, it may make it worse.
OTC hearing aids present a host of risks and problems, these include:
Being inadequate for severe hearing loss: The only way to truly know what level your hearing loss is at is to undergo an audiogram test performed by an audiologist. The design and quality of OTC hearing aids varies greatly from brand to brand, therefore you may select an OTC hearing aid that will do nothing to improve your hearing.
Not customizable: If you receive a diagnosis from an audiologist, your hearing aids will be prescribed for your level of hearing loss. They will also be custom fit for your ears so that they are comfortable to wear and fitted in the correct position to amplify sounds.
Expensive: One of the supposed benefits of OTC hearing aids is that they are less expensive than prescription hearing aids. The price tag may show a lower price, but the quality and longevity of OTC hearing aids is much less than prescription hearing aids. There is also no way of trying OTC hearing aids before you buy them, so you could buy two pairs that don’t work for you before you find one that may help.
Do not fix the problem: While there is no hearing aid that will absolutely cure your hearing, a hearing aid that is prescribed by an audiologist will correctly address your hearing loss and lessen the chances of it becoming worse. Your hearing health will change over time, so it is important to see a professional who can track your hearing loss and make adjustments to your hearing aid for optimal hearing.
While OTC hearing aids undergo standard testing and are approved by the FDA, they are not quality, purpose-built devices that are recommended by licensed audiologists whose mission it is to help improve your hearing. Wearing OTC hearing aids may compromise your hearing and make it worse than it is.
The Correct Action for Improved Hearing
The accurate way to address hearing loss is by scheduling an appointment with an audiologist and undergoing an audiogram hearing evaluation. Audiologists have specialized training to test your hearing and identify the type and degree of your hearing loss. They are licensed to dispense and fit hearing aids, and will help you determine which hearing aid is best for your needs.
A customized treatment plan for your hearing loss that takes into account your personal lifestyle will be developed by an audiologist. If you’re an outdoors person who loves to hike, or someone who prefers watching your favorite movie again and again, your audiologist will guide you towards the right hearing aids, with the right functions, for you.
The professional team at Hearing Solution Centers is ready to help with any questions or concerns you have about your hearing health.
Schedule an audiologist appointment today at Hearing Solution Centers!