Over-the-Counter hearing aids may seem like a great idea, until you consider the importance of addressing your underlying hearing problem and correcting it effectively.

Hearing Loss

Nearly 30 million Americans suffer from some form of hearing loss. The three types of hearing loss include: Conductive hearing loss, which includes the outer or middle ear, sensorineural hearing loss, which involves the inner ear, or a mixture of the two types. Many people begin to experience hearing loss with age, but there are many other factors that can contribute to a loss of hearing.  

Depending on the type of hearing loss, different causes may be to blame. Conductive hearing loss can be caused by earwax build-up, fluid in the ear, a ruptured eardrum, or even be a health issue you are born with. Sensorineural hearing loss is usually caused by aging, diseases like coronary artery disease or high blood pressure, being hit in the head, or repeated exposure to loud noises. Mixed hearing loss means something occurred that negatively affected not only your outer or middle ear, but your inner ear as well.  

Hearing loss can make you feel disconnected from your family and friends. It can lead to frustration, isolation, and depression. There are even studies that link hearing loss in older adults to the development of dementia. Because of these negative effects of hearing loss, it is important to have your hearing loss diagnosed correctly by an audiologist.  

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Are NOT the Solution

In August of 2022, the FDA announced the approval of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids, which can be sold at both retail stores and online without the need for a medical exam, prescription, or fitting adjustment by a professional audiologist. Of course this action makes it easier and more affordable for someone with hearing loss to buy hearing aids, however this is a “one size fits all” solution that really cannot be applied to hearing loss.  

Every person who suffers from hearing loss is a unique case and needs to be diagnosed and treated as such. Depending on the root cause of your hearing loss, treatment options and types of hearing aids, will differ. An OTC hearing aid is basically the equivalent of turning up the volume on your TV, it’s not supporting the parts of your ears that are damaged or adjusting for your specific hearing loss.  

Some other issues that should be considered when thinking about purchasing an OTC hearing aid include:  

• OTC hearing aids are not cost effective: It may seem like buying OTC hearing aids will save you money, and that may be true in the short-run, however the quality of OTC hearing aids is inferior to that of prescription hearing aids provided by an audiologist. This inferior quality means you will need to replace or repair OTC hearing aids far more than prescribed hearing aids, resulting in more money spent overall.  
• Prone to improper diagnosis: OTC hearing aids are sold simply on a supply and demand basis, there are no examinations or considerations for your specific hearing loss. This can lead to treating a problem that does not exist, or not treating a serious issue that does.  
• Could cause more damage: By not having an examination before using a hearing aid, you could be doing more harm than good. It is not uncommon for earwax build up to cause some hearing loss. By placing a hearing aid into an ear with wax build up, you push the wax further into the ear canal and potentially cause more damage to your ear.  
• OTC hearing aids come with ZERO support: When you buy OTC hearing aids, you are on your own to adjust them, figure out how they work, and repair them if needed. Seeing an audiologist for your hearing aid needs means having a qualified support team on your side for any issues that may arise with your hearing aids.

While OTC hearing aids appear to be a product worth trying, they are not. Self diagnosing your hearing loss is dangerous to your hearing health, as well as costly to your wallet. Seeing an audiologist for your hearing care needs is the only way to go if you’re experiencing hearing loss.  

See an Audiologist for Hearing Loss

If you’re experiencing hearing loss, seeing an audiologist is the best step to take in improving your hearing issue. An audiologist will assess your hearing loss and make an accurate diagnosis, as well as provide personalized treatment and ongoing support for your hearing health. The team at Hearing Solution Centers offers excellent customer care and welcomes everyone to take an active role in their hearing health.  

Are you experiencing hearing loss? Reach out to the team at Hearing Solution Centers to find a solution that improves your unique hearing needs!