{"id":2116,"date":"2023-02-09T17:08:35","date_gmt":"2023-02-09T22:08:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ent-docs.com\/?p=2116"},"modified":"2023-02-09T17:08:38","modified_gmt":"2023-02-09T22:08:38","slug":"what-to-know-about-otc-hearing-devices","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ent-docs.com\/what-to-know-about-otc-hearing-devices\/","title":{"rendered":"What to Know About OTC Hearing Devices"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
New regulations for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid sales came into effect on Oct. 17, 2022, which means adults aged 18 or older can purchase the devices \u2013 even without the essential help of a hearing health care professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Knowing the facts about these OTC hearing devices can help patients with all types of hearing loss find the best answers and treatment for their individual needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An OTC hearing aid is a pre-adjusted type of hearing device that consumers can purchase directly from big box or online retail stores. No prescription or appointment with a hearing health care professional is required to obtain them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OTC devices specifically help patients who experience mild-to-moderate hearing loss, according to guidelines from the FDA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you check off any of these FDA \u201cred flags\u201d below, we advise that you see a hearing health care expert at Quiet Corner Hearing Aids:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OTC hearing aids are only effective for treating certain types of hearing loss. That means many hearing loss patients will still require fitting, counseling and an ongoing treatment plan from a licensed hearing professional. It\u2019s also important to remember that those who experience more severe forms of hearing loss or children under 18 are advised against using OTC devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Again, OTC hearing devices are for adults 18 or older who believe they have mild-to-moderate hearing loss. You may have mild-to-moderate hearing loss if:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should NOT consider OTC hearing aids if you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
OTC devices are designed to be self-fitting, relying on the user to select the correct settings. Prescribed hearing devices, on the other hand, involve ongoing care from a hearing health care professional who can fine-tune hearing devices to your specific needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n