What are OTC Hearing Aids?

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are an alternative to prescription hearing aids. You can purchase these without going for any tests first. OTC hearing aids are for someone who has self-perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. This post explains what OTC hearing aids are, their problems and why most patients should go to an audiologist for prescription hearing aids instead.

What Features Do OTC Hearing Aids Offer?

Manufacturers of OTC hearing aids market them as pre-programmed devices for people with self-perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. They are popular among those over the age of 55.

Unfortunately, over-the-counter hearing aids offer limited technology. While they amplify sounds, they may not let you adjust sound levels for particular frequency ranges. Consequently, you may continue to struggle to hear certain noises, such as children’s voices and birdsong.

Why Do OTC Hearing Aids Exist?

Manufacturers offer OTC hearing aids to increase consumer choice. Regulators believe that people should have access to hearing aids online if they want to obtain them and they should be able to use them without the help of a qualified audiologist.

Unfortunately, this approach means patients don’t get hearing aid tests or fittings. They can simply purchase hearing aids and calibrate them themselves. As such, they risk failing to make the most of their hearing aids.

What Are the Disadvantages of OTC Hearing Aids?

Some OTC hearing aids do not come with a warranty. There are several downsides to choosing OTC hearing aids which we list here:

• Poor quality: Most simply amplify incoming sounds without any further calibration. Users report straining to listen and being unable to hear sounds high or low in the range.
• No support: Historically, hearing aid fitting was an ongoing process. Patients would visit the audiologist for initial setup and then get their help making further adjustments over the following weeks as their ears adapted. With OTC devices, you don’t get that level of support.
• Lack of fine-tuning: Modern hearing aids come with dozens of settings that require fine-tuning. These improve the device’s performance, but they can be difficult for patients to set themselves, particularly if they don’t have access to audiogram test results. Going to an audiologist, though, helps this process along significantly. Professionals can adjust devices to suit an individual patient’s hearing needs.  

What Does the Future Hold for OTC Hearing Aids?

Manufacturers and some fitting clinics are normalizing OTC hearing aids. Patients now expect to be able to access devices online. Commentators sometimes argue this change is positive for the industry. More people are wearing hearing aids than ever before, encouraging those with hearing loss to come forward. Seeing everyone wearing them may inspire them to get a proper diagnosis.

However, over-the-counter hearing aids may not meet the needs of most patients. Depending on the severity of your hearing loss, you may need a prescription hearing aid. OTC hearing aids may benefit you if you think you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss. You need the right equipment and professional advice to get good results.

OTC hearing aids are not your only option. There are several types of prescription hearing aids that may be beneficial for the type of hearing loss you have. These include behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE) and in the canal (ITC). Talk to your audiologist if you want to learn more about these hearing aids or want to know the severity of you hearing loss to see if OTC is the best option for you.

What Are the Hidden Costs of OTC Hearing Aids?

OTC device manufacturers only provide the most basic support to patients after they purchase their products if any. They are not qualified audiologists. Therefore, they can’t give any medical advice.

Unlike prescription manufacturers, they may also offer a limited warranty. Patients may not be able to get money back on devices over a year old if they fail due to production defects. Lastly, patients may not require hearing aids in the first place. They may have other undiagnosed conditions causing problems with their hearing, such as kidney failure or diabetes.

In other cases, they may not have any hearing issues at all. Social pressure or self-misdiagnosis may lead them to wear hearing aids unnecessarily. Only proper testing can determine the nature and extent of a patient’s hearing loss.

Get Audiologists to Fit Your Hearing Aids for You

As a patient, you should always work with an audiologist when fitting hearing aids. Professional assistance ensures you get the best results. If you require hearing aids or a fitting, call Big Thicket Hearing Aids & Audiology today at (409) 751-2590 to schedule an appointment.