The FDA regulations have changed to allow people to purchase over-the-counter hearing aids. This is good news for nearly 48 million Americans with hearing loss.
What is the difference between hearing aids and amplification products?
Numerous hearing aid varieties function substantially in a similar way. They enhance sounds by making them clearer, whether the design is behind the ear or in the ear canal. They also aid in the noise-filtering process.
Assistant professor of otolaryngology Dr. James Napes explains that hearing aids employ directional microphones and signal processing to filter unwanted noise to make sounds we hear clear.
Personal sound amplification products (PSAPs), available at most drug shops, should not be confused with a prescription or over-the-counter hearing aids. Such items only enhance ambient noises. In addition, they aren’t FDA-regulated, are not designed to address hearing problems, and are not customized to a specific person’s hearing loss.
Dr. Naples says PSAPs are a good option for people who experience challenges in certain situations like TV listening.
Is a hearing test necessary before buying an OTC hearing aid?
Conventionally a certified audiologist will test someone to configure a hearing aid based on their hearing problem. The procedure is just the same as receiving prescription glasses. For example, someone with hearing loss might hear some sounds, but softer sounds might be hard to hear.
When it comes to an OTC hearing aid, you don’t need an audiologist to conduct a hearing test. These devices are ideal when someone has moderate or mild hearing loss. However, Dr. Naples asserts that an audiologist needs to complete a full exam for people with severe or profound hearing loss.
The OTC hearing aid will likely be affordable, but the cost will vary. Although Medicare doesn’t cover hearing aids, some commercial health insurance and Medicare Advantage plans may cover them.
It is vital to note that considering the OTC hearing aids will be regulated by the FDA, they will be of the same quality as prescription aid, but some things may differ.
