Senior Living News

What Is an OTC Hearing Aid?

In 2022, the FDA released a new rule that created a category of over-the-counter hearing aids. Before this, you had to go to a hearing professional and obtain a prescription for a hearing aid. Under the new rule, seniors can buy OTC hearing aids from participating drugstores and online retailers.

OTC hearing aids are for seniors and other people who have mild to moderate hearing loss. They cost less than prescription hearing aids, and there's no need for a hearing test before buying an OTC hearing aid, helping you save time and money.

The Difference Between OTC and Prescription Hearing Aids

The primary difference between OTC and prescription hearing aids is that the prescription devices are for people who have severe hearing loss and require diagnosis and treatment by a specialist. Prescription hearing aids are more sophisticated and have advanced tuning capabilities. Audiologists can tune them to suit almost any type of hearing difficulty. However, this requires the services of a skilled audiologist and specialized equipment.

If you're a senior with mild or moderate hearing loss, an OTC hearing aid may be ideal. The devices incorporate controls you can adjust to suit your individual hearing needs. Like prescription hearing aids, OTC devices have directional microphones to help filter out background noise.

Types of OTC Hearing Aids

There are three main types of OTC hearing aids:

• In-the-ear. These are tiny hearing aids that fit inside your ear. They're discreet and don't interfere with reading glasses or jewelry. They’re good for mild hearing loss.
• Behind-the-ear. These hearing aids sit behind the ear and have a thin tube fitted with a speaker bud that fits into your ear canal. Their larger size allows for longer battery life and more features.
• Earbud-type hearing aids. These look like wireless earbuds and work best in noisy settings by filtering out background noise so you can better hear someone talking to you.
  
  

When to Consider an OTC Hearing Aid    

As you've probably noticed, your hearing ability may gradually deteriorate as the years pass. This deterioration makes it difficult to hear clearly, especially if someone is speaking softly. Signs you have mild to moderate hearing loss include:

• Difficulty following speech during group activities
• An inability to hear someone talking to you in a noisy setting
• Difficulty hearing someone on the phone
• A need to turn up the TV or radio to hear properly

Where to Buy an OTC Hearing Aid

You can buy an OTC hearing aid at a drug store, online or through a health care professional.

Buying an OTC Hearing Aid From a Brick-and-Mortar Store

It's simple to buy an OTC hearing aid from Fort Collins' drugstores and pharmacies, including Walmart and Walgreens. A benefit of buying in person is that the pharmacist can advise you on the features of their different models and let you view the hearing aid before buying it. You also get better customer service.

Buying Online

If you're comfortable with online shopping, you'll find better deals and a wider choice of models. It's best to buy from reputable retailers such as Amazon and Best Buy so you can return the unit if it's not right or you have warranty issues.

Buying From a Health Care Professional

Some health care professionals sell OTC hearing aids, but it's best to check beforehand. A benefit of buying from an audiologist or hearing aid dispenser is that they'll test your hearing and recommend the most suitable model.

Features to Consider When Purchasing an OTC Hearing Aid

OTC hearing aid prices and specifications vary greatly. Before buying, check online reviews and read OTC hearing aid buying guides to learn more about the different models. Points to consider include:

• FDA approval. Ensure the packaging includes the words "over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid."
• Sound quality. Look for models with minimal distortion and good sound quality.
• Battery type. Establish if the hearing aid uses rechargeable or standard replaceable batteries.
• Battery life. Check that the battery life is sufficient for a full day's use. If the hearing aid uses replaceable batteries, check how long they last and their replacement cost.
• Volume control. Make certain you can control the volume easily and that the off/on switch is conveniently placed.
• Feedback control. Ensure the hearing aid has feedback control so you can minimize distortion, shrill sounds and whistling.
• Background noise reduction. See whether the hearing aid lets you reduce the level of background noise.
• Smartphone integration. Some models may require a smartphone app to set parameters.

Adapting to Your New OTC Hearing Aid

It may take time to get used to a new hearing aid, and it's recommended you wear it frequently. Take time to learn how the different settings work and how you can adjust the hearing aid. Learn to use it when meeting with fellow seniors in the dining room at Collinwood Assisted Living and Memory Care, during activities and even when reconnecting with nature.