Hearing aids help people hear better. Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are a type of hearing aid that you can buy directly without first visiting an audiologist. These hearing aids are for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
Unlike prescription hearing aids, OTC hearing aids are available in stores or online, so they are more easily accessible. How do they work, and are they right for everyone? Let’s find out!
How OTC Hearing Aids Work
OTC hearing aids are devices that fit inside or behind your ears. They make sounds louder, which may help some people with certain types of hearing loss hear better. These devices sometimes have different features, such as volume controls, and some may connect to smartphones through Bluetooth.
Who Should Use OTC Hearing Aids?
OTC hearing aids are best for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. OTC candidates must be somewhat tech-savvy in order to be able to get the devices set up on their own. They must also have the ability to figure out which size/shape of earpiece is the proper fit and teach themself how to put the hearing aid on and use it. Benefits of OTC Hearing Aids
OTC hearing aids have several benefits. e Some models may be quicker to access than prescription hearing aids since you don’t need to visit anaudiologist; you can simply buy them from a store. They are usually less expensive for several reasons: they are less technologically advanced than prescription hearing aids (and provide less support in noisy environments); they do not include any audiologic services such as testing, programming, or follow up care; and the warranty coverage is usually less comprehensive and shorter in duration than prescription hearing aids.
Cost and Convenience
One of the biggest reasons people choose OTC hearing aids is cost. OTC hearing aids often cost less than prescription hearing aids. You can also buy them directly from a store or website, which makes them more convenient for people who want quick access to hearing help.
Easy to Use
Most OTC hearing aids are made to be simple and easy to use. Some have a smartphone app that helps you set them up and adjust the volume. This means you can change settings without needing help from a professional.
What Are the Downsides?
While OTC hearing aids are a good option for many people, they might not be for everyone.
OTC hearing aids are only for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss.
People with severe hearing loss or those who suffer from ringing in the ears (tinnitus) will need more advanced care from an audiologist.
Also, OTCs do not include ongoing service appointments to answer your questions, help you with connectivity to cell phones, TVs, and other devices, update firmware, clean ears, and tweak programming.
Not for Severe Hearing Loss
OTC hearing aids may not help if you have moderate to severe hearing loss. People who want more service and communication needs will want more advanced devices and should see an audiologist for the necessary service, fitting, programming, and ongoing hearing healthcare.
Fitting and Comfort
OTC hearing aids may not fit everyone perfectly. Prescription hearing aids are custom-made to fit your ears, while OTC hearing aids come in standard sizes. Sometimes, this means they may not feel comfortable or work as well as custom devices.
When to See an Audiologist
If you suspect that you have a hearing loss, even if you are considering OTC hearing aids, meeting withan audiologist is still a very important first step. OTC devices are only appropriate for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss and many people underestimate the severity of their loss. Without a comprehensive hearing evaluation, you will not know whether OTC will be helpful for your hearing loss. An audiologist will evaluate your hearing and discuss your hearing healthcare needs, lifestyle, and expectations. All this information is considered when suggesting the best treatment options for you. An audiologist will ensure you get the right hearing technology for your needs, whether an OTC or a prescription device.
Customized Help
When you visit an audiologist, they will customize your hearing care from the initial consultation to the hearing aid fitting and throughout your years of hearing aid use They will inspect your ears to ensure your ear canals are clean before testing and/or fitting hearing aids. A buildup of earwax could skew test results, prevent sound from reaching your eardrum, or interfere with the physical fit of a hearing aid, among other issues. They will complete a thorough hearing evaluation and use your hearing thresholds as a prescription for the amount of sound you get for each pitch to best assist you. Your audiologist can choose between many hearing aid brands and technology levels to meet your hearing healthcare needs. They will select the appropriate size and shape of earpiece to best fit your ear canal. At the fitting, they will take special measurements of the sounds the hearing aids are producing inside your ears and adjust your hearing aids to match your hearing needs as closely as possible. They will teach you how to put the hearing aids on, how to care for them, connect them to your phone/app (if desired), etc. This kind of service isn’t available with OTC hearing aids.
Long-Term Care
Another benefit of seeing an audiologist is long-term treatment. Hearing loss can change over time, and an audiologist can help you monitor your hearing and ensure that your hearing aid is still working well.
Hearing Aids | Austin Hearing Aid Center
Over-the-counter hearing aids can bea helpful option for some adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. They are less expensive and more accessible than prescription hearing aids. However, they are not for everyone. Our audiologists have met with many patients over the years who tried OTC without satisfaction. Oftentimes, the OTC hearing aid they had been using was clogged with earwax or the earpiece didn’t fit in their ear canal properly or it simply wasn’t providing enough amplification to actually improve their hearing.
If you’re unsure which hearing instrument technology is right for you, visiting a hearing center can help. Austin Hearing Aid Center in Austin, TX, has experts who can guide you in finding the best solution for your hearing needs. Don’t wait—take control of your hearing health today!