In the United States allowed to sell hearing aids without a prescription: how to choose the right one and how much it costs

On October 17, FDA-approved hearing aids became available over-the-counter for the first time, potentially thousands of dollars cheaper than prescription hearing aids. Time.

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Many experts hope that the opening of the market will spur new innovative devices, reduce costs and encourage the use of hearing aids in a country where only a small proportion of older people with hearing impairment use hearing aids.

What does this enhanced capability mean for people who are thinking about buying a hearing aid? At this point, experts say there's still a lot we don't know, including what devices will be announced in the coming months and how much price fluctuations in the new market might fluctuate. However, over-the-counter hearing aids can make a big difference in your life if you have mild to moderate hearing loss. Here's what you need to know.

When will over-the-counter hearing aids be available in stores?

Starting this week, the first OTC hearing aids are available online and at select retailers, including pharmacies like Walgreens.

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On October 17, Walmart announced that the hearing aids would be available on its website, at Walmart Vision Centers in select states (although the company plans to eventually offer these services nationwide), and at more than 400 Sam's Club hearing aid centers.

More stores are expected to announce in the coming weeks that they will sell OTC hearing aids. Best Buy, for example, announced on October 17 that it would open hearing centers in 300 stores by the end of the month. Best Buy customers can also use the online hearing assessment tool and buy products online.

Should You Buy an OTC Hearing Aid?

OTC hearing aids are for people with mild to moderate hearing loss, so the first step is to determine if you are eligible.

According to the American Hearing Loss Association, people with mild to moderate hearing loss tend to be hard of hearing when talking to people in a group or in the presence of background noise. Another sign is the need to turn up the volume on your TV or phone. A sign of more severe hearing loss is that you have difficulty hearing when you are talking one on one with someone in a quiet environment. For more information, the American Hearing Association has a helpful checklist of potential signs.

An otolaryngologist can help you determine the level of hearing loss, says Nicholas Reed, an otolaryngologist at Johns Hopkins University. These tests, unlike hearing aid fittings, are also usually covered by insurance. Other tests are available through apps including SonicCloud. Reed says hearing tests can be helpful because people tend to have a hard time feeling how much their hearing has changed. “Hearing loss happens very slowly, very insidiously,” he says. “And the truth is, your brain is not very good at detecting such changes.”

People who are more tech-savvy may also be better prepared to buy over-the-counter hearing aids, as the devices need tweaking to get the right fit and level, says Dr. Katherine Palmer, director of audiology at the University of Pittsburgh.

If not, Reed suggests considering bringing your over-the-counter device to an audiologist to get help using it. “It’s easy to get confused,” Reed says. “If you're really confused or not tech-savvy, an audiologist can help.”

What is a hearing aid made of, and what are they?

A hearing aid consists of three main parts: a microphone, an amplifier and a speaker. The hearing aid receives sound through a microphone, which converts the sound waves into electrical signals and sends them to an amplifier. The amplifier amplifies the power of the signals and then sends them to the ear through a speaker.

Hearing aids amplify sound in a three-part system:

• The microphone receives sound and converts it into a digital signal.
• The amplifier increases the power of the digital signal.
• The speaker delivers amplified sound to the ear.

Digital hearing aids

Digital hearing aids can be tailored to individual hearing loss. After the hearing test is completed, the hearing aids are programmed for the specific degree and pattern of hearing loss seen in the test results. Digital hearing aids have automatic features that can adjust volume and be programmed to improve hearing in a variety of conditions. Hopkins medicine.

Hearing aid styles

There are 5 types of hearing aids. Behind the ear (BTE), mini BTE, in-the-ear (ITE), in-the-ear (ITC) and fully in-the-canal (CIC), reports Nidcd.

Behind the ear hearing aids (BTE) They consist of a rigid plastic housing that fits behind the ear and is connected to a plastic earmould that fits inside the outer ear. The electronic parts are in a case behind the ear. Sound travels from the hearing aid through the earmold to the ear. Behind the ear hearing aids are used by people of all ages with mild to profound hearing loss.

In-ear hearing aids (ITE) fit completely inside the outer ear and are used for mild to severe hearing loss. The housing containing the electronic components is made of hard plastic. Some ITEs may have certain additional features installed, such as a telecoil. A telecoil is a small magnetic coil that allows users to receive sound through the hearing aid's circuitry rather than through its microphone. This makes it easier to listen to phone conversations. The telecoil also helps people hear in public places where special sound systems called induction loop systems are installed. Induction loop systems can be found in many churches, schools, airports, and auditoriums.

ITE assistive devices are not typically worn by young children because they need to be changed frequently as the ear grows.

Canal aids are inserted into the ear canal and are available in two styles.

In-ear hearing aid (ITC) manufactured according to the size and shape of the human ear canal. Fully intracanal (CIC) hearing aids are almost completely hidden in the ear canal. Both types are used for mild to moderate hearing loss.

Because they are small, it can be difficult for a person to set up and remove channel aids.

In addition, there is less space in the channels for batteries and additional devices such as a telecoil.

They are generally not recommended for young children or people with severe or profound hearing loss as their reduced size limits their power and volume.

Do all hearing aids work the same way?

Hearing aids work differently depending on the electronics used. The two main types of electronics are analog and digital.

Analog Devices convert sound waves into electrical signals, which are then amplified. Analog/adjustable hearing aids are custom made to suit the needs of each user. The assistive device is programmed by the manufacturer according to the specifications recommended by your audiologist. Analog/programmable hearing aids have more than one program or setting. The otolaryngologist can program the device using a computer, and you can change the program for different listening environments, from a small quiet room to a crowded restaurant or large outdoor venues such as a theater or stadium. The analog/programmable circuit can be used in all types of hearing aids. Analogue means are usually less expensive than digital means.

Digital devices convert sound waves into numerical codes, similar to the binary code of a computer, before amplifying them. Because the code also includes pitch or loudness information, the aid can be specifically programmed to boost some frequencies more than others. The digital circuitry gives the audiologist more flexibility in adjusting the unit to suit the user's needs and specific listening conditions. These aids can also be programmed to focus on sounds coming from a particular direction. The digital circuit can be used in all types of hearing aids.

How much do over-the-counter hearing aids cost? What about prescription hearing aids?

The cost of hearing aids can vary greatly. OTC hearing aids can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to thousands.

According to the FDA, hearing aids that require a prescription typically cost several thousand dollars per pair on average, although that price is often linked to other services, including the cost of having the device fitted by an audiologist.

Are OTC hearing aids covered?

Medicare does not cover hearing aids or hearing aid devices, although some Medicare Advantage plans offer some coverage. Some private insurance companies cover hearing aids, but not all. Check with your insurance provider to see if you are covered under your individual plan.

Are more expensive hearing aids always better than cheaper ones?

More expensive hearing aids may have special features, such as a smaller size and a smoother user interface, Reid said. However, now that over-the-counter hearing aids have been approved by the FDA, Reed says customers can be sure the products are up to standard, and less expensive hearing aids should meet your basic needs if you have moderate to mild hearing loss. If you're not very tech savvy, you might be more comfortable with a simpler (and less expensive) device, Reed says.

“There is almost no evidence that costs are related to outcomes,” Reed says.

How to choose an over-the-counter hearing aid?

Hearing is a bit like a "fingerprint," as Reid says. This means that everyone's hearing loss is a little different, and that hearing aids won't work the same for everyone.

According to Palmer, OTC hearing aids come in two main types. The first is a plug and play device that users typically modify by connecting the device to an app on their smartphone and then setting it up by listening to sounds. To work with another type, called a simple modifier, users can manually adjust the volume and sometimes the bass and treble of the sound.

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It's important to buy a device with a warranty so you can return it if it doesn't suit you or your lifestyle, Palmer says. “Until a person uses the device, they will not know if it will satisfy their needs,” she says. In accordance with FDA regulations, the packaging must indicate whether your device can be returned. Reed also suggests checking to see if the device comes with solid customer support that can help you learn how to use the device and resolve any issues.

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