The Pros and Cons of Over-the-counter vs. Prescription Hearing Aids

Hearing loss is a common condition, impacting nearly 15% of Americans in some capacity. When treating the varying degrees of hearing loss, hearing aids are the most widely-recommended solution. These devices are available in a range of categories, styles and sizes, allowing them to uniquely address an individual’s specific needs. Over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription are two different categories of hearing aids, each having different advantages and disadvantages. To make the best decision for your particular needs, consider what each technology has to offer and which could most appropriately address your issues.

What Are OTC Hearing Aids?

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are devices designed for individuals who believe they have mild hearing loss. Unlike prescription hearing aids, OTC devices can be purchased directly from a store or online without the need for a professional evaluation. While they may seem convenient, it’s important to be aware of their limitations. OTC hearing aids lack the personalized assessment and fitting provided by a qualified hearing health professional. This means they may not address specific individual needs as effectively as prescription devices.
Additionally, OTC hearing aids do not offer the comprehensive follow-up care that comes with prescription devices, such as customized programming adjustments and expert guidance on maintenance. Therefore, seeking the expertise of a hearing specialist for a prescribed device is recommended for a more tailored and effective solution to your unique hearing challenges.

The most common hearing aid styles include: in the canal (ITC), completely in canal (CIC), invisible in canal (IIC), behind the ear (BTE) and in the ear (ITE). Consulting an audiologist will enable you to find a style and features that are most suited to your preferences.

What Are Prescription Hearing Aids?

Prescription hearing aids are advanced devices tailored to address a wide range of hearing difficulties, from mild to profound loss. Unlike over-the-counter options, these specialized aids require a hearing test conducted by your audiologist. This assessment ensures that the hearing aid is precisely calibrated to your individual hearing needs. With prescription hearing aids, you’re not just getting a device, but access to specialized care. This includes personalized fitting, programming adjustments and expert guidance on maintenance. Choosing prescription hearing aids means prioritizing not only the device itself, but also the invaluable professional expertise that accompanies it.

What Are Some Pros and Cons of OTC Hearing Aids?

Over-the-counter hearing aids are designed to be accessible since you can just walk into a store and buy them. You don’t need a prescription and you can even buy them online, making it really convenient to purchase them. This convenience can be preferrable to individuals with mild hearing loss symptoms that are just getting familiar with hearing technology and solutions.
However, over-the-counter hearing aids are generally only suitable for self-perceived mild hearing loss. They’re also not as comfortable as prescription hearing aids since they’re not custom-made for your ears, so many struggle with long-term wear. They also don’t have as much customization and are often more basic when it comes to settings and programming. Lastly, you don’t get much additional support with them since they’re not prescribed by an audiologist.

What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Prescription Hearing Aids?

Prescription hearing aids require a prescription from an audiologist. They are typically tuned to the specific needs of an individual. For example, someone may request for discreet hearing aids, and the audiologist may suggest in-the-canal devices because they’re smaller. They also tend to have better-quality components and more customization options, making them more comfortable for long-term use. Prescription hearing aids are also more suitable for long-term use.

However, prescription hearing aids do require you to book an appointment with your audiologist. This process can require a few extra steps – like custom fittings and programming with your audiologist – but they do offer better results.

Which Hearing Aids Are Best for You?

For those seeking a lasting and superior solution, prescription hearing aids are highly recommended. These specialized devices offer heightened comfort, making them particularly well-suited for individuals with severe hearing loss. Additionally, choosing a prescription hearing aid provides the assurance of ongoing support from your audiologist. They’ll offer valuable guidance on optimal usage and schedule future appointments to fine-tune the hearing aids, ensuring you experience the best possible auditory clarity and comfort. Opting for prescription hearing aids not only guarantees a tailored solution but also delivers peace of mind and long-term satisfaction.

If you’d like to learn more about the difference between over-the-counter and prescription hearing aids or would like to book an appointment with a trained audiologist, get in touch with Big Thicket Hearing Aids & Audiology at (409) 751-2590.