Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are a new classification of hearing devices created by the Food and Drug Administration in 2022 to provide inexpensive hearing devices to people who can not afford prescription hearing aids. They are designed for people with mild to moderate hearing loss and can be purchased without visiting a hearing specialist. You can find them in stores or online.
OTC hearing aids make sounds louder, helping you hear better in quiet places or in some noisy settings. They are less expensive than regular hearing aids and give you an easy way to try hearing help without taking a hearing test. However, because they are not made to fit your ears or programmed for your specific hearing needs, they might not work as well as hearing aids you get from a professional.
Fifth Avenue Hearing offers a wide selection of hearing aids in New York recommended and fitted by an expert audiologist.
Who Can Benefit from OTC Hearing Aids?
OTC hearing aids are a good choice for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss. They can help people who have trouble hearing in group conversations or while watching TV but don’t have big problems hearing in daily life.
It’s important to know that OTC hearing aids are not for children. Kids need special care to make sure their hearing develops the right way.
The Downsides of OTC Hearing Aids
OTC hearing aids can offer a helpful solution, but they come with some serious limitations.
They may not fit comfortably, making long-term wear challenging. The sound quality might also fall short for those with more significant hearing loss. Plus, without the guidance of a hearing care professional, setting them up and fine-tuning the settings can be tricky.
To top it off, when purchasing OTC hearing aids, patients miss out on personalized advice regarding style or type, and there’s no follow-up support after the sale.
OTC Hearing Aids: Not for Severe Hearing Loss
If you have severe or very serious hearing loss, OTC hearing aids may not work well for you. Severe hearing loss often needs special devices that are made just for your specific needs. These devices usually have important features, like stronger amplification and better noise reduction, which OTC hearing aids don’t usually offer.
At Fifth Avenue Hearing in NYC, we suggest seeing an audiologist for a complete hearing check. Our expert audiologist can find the best hearing aids for your unique needs and lifestyle.
Don’t guess about your hearing—let us help you choose the right solution so you can hear your best!
OTC Hearing Aid Regulations
Based on American Speech-Language Association (ASHA), the legislation for OTC hearing aids was passed in 2017. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) established a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids for adults 18 years of age and older with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss that went into effect on October 17, 2022.
The FDA regulates these devices to ensure safety and effectiveness. However, consumers must follow guidelines and understand that OTC hearing aids are only for mild to moderate hearing loss.
OTC Hearing Aids vs. Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs)
OTC hearing aids and PSAPs (Personal Sound Amplification Products) might seem similar, but they are not the same. OTC hearing aids are made to help people who have hearing loss.
On the other hand, PSAPs are designed to make sounds louder for people with normal hearing, like hunters or birdwatchers.
It’s not a good idea to use PSAPs if you have hearing loss because they are not made for medical use and might not work well for your needs.
We suggest seeing an audiologist for proper hearing evaluation and treatment.
Fifth Avenue Hearing connects you to an expert audiologist in New York who can perform comprehensive hearing tests and recommend hearing aids as necessary.
OTC Hearing Aids: From an Audiologist’s Perspective
As audiologists, we see the appeal of OTC hearing aids—they are affordable, accessible, and provide an entry point for those hesitant to seek professional help. However, there are significant advantages to getting prescription hearing aids through an audiologist:
Custom Fit and Programming
Unlike OTC devices, prescription hearing aids are tailored to your unique ear shape and hearing needs. They are programmed to address the exact frequencies where you struggle, providing a better overall experience.
Ongoing Support
When you purchase hearing aids from an audiologist, you gain access to ongoing care, including adjustments, repairs, and counseling. Audiologists ensure your devices work optimally and help you adapt to using them.
Advanced Features
Hearing aids from an audiologist often include advanced features like Bluetooth connectivity, rechargeable batteries, and tinnitus management options. OTC devices rarely offer such capabilities.
While OTC hearing aids are a step toward making hearing care accessible, they should not replace the comprehensive care and personalized solutions an audiologist provides.
OTC Hearing Aids: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Affordable: Generally less expensive than prescription hearing aids.
- Convenient: No need for a hearing test or professional fitting.
- Accessible: Available in stores and online.
Cons
- Limited Fit and Comfort: May not fit well or feel comfortable for extended use.
- Basic Features: Lack of advanced technology like noise reduction and Bluetooth.
- No Professional Guidance: Users may struggle to adjust settings or troubleshoot issues.
- Quality of Hearing: Most patients will not hear as well with OTC devices compared to prescription hearing aids.
Hearing Aids in New York
If you’re unsure whether OTC hearing aids are right for you, schedule a consultation with Fifth Avenue Hearing.
Fifth Avenue Hearing is an authorized provider of high-quality prescription hearing aids in New York. Our expert NYC audiologist can recommend and fit hearing aids based on your specific hearing requirements. We do not offer OTC hearing devices to our patients.
Don’t wait—take the first step toward better hearing today!
Schedule an appointment with one of the best audiologists in New York!
