Just three months after the U.S. Federal Food and Drug Administration finalized its over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid ruling, we’re starting to see the first sets of OTC devices hit the market. This is a huge deal with hearing loss being so prevalent. Nearly 20% of the global population lives with some form of hearing loss. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that 28.8 million U.S. adults could benefit from using hearing aids. The sad truth is many don’t get them. Will OTC hearing aids change this? Maybe. Let’s look at the factors that impact why someone would or would not purchase them. 

Lower cost, no audiologist appointment needed

OTC hearing aids are changing the market by making these devices more accessible and affordable. They don’t require a hearing test or customized fitting with an audiologist, meaning that consumers won’t face any medical care costs (on top of device costs). By removing the need to see a specialist, paired with the devices' lower price point, more people who could benefit from hearing aids might be more willing to try them.

More access, less stigma

Sony was one of the first companies to publicly unveil their CREC10 Self-Fitting OTC Hearing Aids, which look quite similar to wireless earbuds. For those who wouldn’t consider hearing aids due to aesthetics, OTC hearing aids may provide more appealing, discrete options that look like devices they already own. 

Additionally, with hearing aids being more widely available and more people trying them, there’s less stigma around using hearing aids.

They’re not for everyone and leave room for user error

The FDA ruling makes OTC hearing aids available for adults, so children will still need to see an audiologist for an evaluation if hearing aids are needed. Those with severe hearing loss will also require audiology support for their hearing health journey.
Those that can use OTC hearing aids will have to refer to the in-box directions. Some OTC vendors like Lexie do offer remote support, which is helpful. But self-fitting, without the help of a professional, can lead to hearing aid settings that are less than optimal. For some, if the OTC hearing aids don’t work as expected the first time, they might become frustrated and reluctant to try again. Hearing aids, like any hearing-assistive tools, don't perfectly restore normal hearing and it takes some time to adjust to them.

Lots of options, lots of research

Like any consumer device, users should do their research to find an OTC hearing aid that will work best for them. As generic and pharmacy name brands become available, along with the big brands in audio, we’ll soon find there are too many options to research in one afternoon. A recent NPR article recommends going directly to the OTC hearing aid companies’ websites for more detailed information and evaluating what kind of extra support companies might offer.

Conversation in background noise will still be challenging

OTC hearing aids can improve hearing, but at best they’ll have the same processing power and personalization features as prescription hearing aids. They simply don’t have the capabilities to run sophisticated algorithms that can remove background noise in loud environments. Users will still have trouble hearing conversations in social settings, which can be frustrating and exhausting.

HeardThat is a smartphone app that uses the power of AI to get rid of background noise. It works with all Bluetooth-enabled prescription and OTC hearing aids. If you have trouble hearing conversations at restaurants, coffee shops, or parties, try it for free.

Click here to download HeardThat.