If you think you may have hearing loss, you are not alone! In just the United States, it is estimated that 48 million people have some degree of hearing loss.
While hearing loss has not been considered as seriously in the past, today we understand that untreated hearing loss has been linked to significant rifts in personal relationships, leading to chronic depression, anxiety, lack of mobility, and cognitive decline. Research continues to isolate hearing aids as an effective way to address hearing loss and avoid or decrease these risks, however, of those who could benefit from using them, only 1 in 5 people who would benefit from a hearing aid use one.
You, like millions of Americans, may have known you’ve had hearing issues for years but you may have put off treatment due to the high cost associated with them. As one solution, Congress passed the Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017 to authorize over-the-counter hearing aids for adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. It’s been a long journey since then, but August has been a big month for the hearing-impaired community.
As of August 16, 2022, the FDA announced their long-awaited OTC hearing aid guidance now makes it possible for hearing aids to be sold directly to consumers in stores as well as online without a medical exam or a fitting by an audiologist. Let’s explore what this means for you and your access to hearing healthcare.
What are OTC Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are used to amplify sounds you would otherwise not be able to hear. Worn in or around the ear canal they can be programmed by an audiologist to amplify the specific sounds you struggle with based on a hearing exam, to simulate normal hearing. Access to over-the-counter hearing aids is intended to help adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
Like a prescription hearing aid, OTC hearing aids will generally amplify sound based on your perceived idea of your hearing loss allowing you to hear better, communicate, and participate fully in daily activities with a better understanding of conversation and environment. This legislation was introduced to increase competition in the hearing aid market and ultimately make them more affordable.
Where do I get an OTC hearing aid?
The good news is that anyone who knows how to search the internet is only a few clicks away from OTC hearing aids. There are already several manufacturers selling them and once the new legislation takes full effect in October 2022, we may start seeing them more and more. Get ready to find them in pharmacies, stores, and doctors' offices. However, as with anything new, it’s wise to plan for issues ahead of time.
Are OTC Hearing Aids Right for Me?
This new legislation will make hearing aids more accessible for more people and help in a significant way to combat world hearing loss- a number which the World Health Organization (WHO) expects could more than double from 466 million to 900 million in the next 30 years if systematic change is not implemented now. OTC hearing aids are intended for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing loss.
It is important to remember that OTC hearing aids are not intended for children (who often require a pediatric hearing specialist) or for adults who have more severe hearing loss or significant difficulty hearing. If you have trouble hearing conversations even in quiet settings or miss loud sounds like cars honking when you drive or announcements in public buildings, this notes severe hearing loss, too extreme for OTC hearing aids to address.
For the most nuanced amplification, it’s important to visit us at Hart Hearing and Balance. Early treatment is essential as avoiding communication issues that occur in the early stages of hearing loss can help avoid dangerous side effects such as chronic depression, rifts in relationships, loss of standing at work, and cognitive decline.
Visit Us at Hart Hearing and Balance for Your Hearing Needs
We believe that there is still quite a lot to gain from a full-service hearing care provider. Not only can we offer you the most precise idea of what sounds you need to amplify, but we can help you not only enjoy conversation, and advise you about a variety of assistive listening devices and features. This can make a big difference based on your lifestyle.
Whether you like the great outdoors, playing music, spending time in crowded spaces, or just love to watch movies and TV with clarity, having hearing devices properly fitted and programmed to your specific hearing needs can only be done with accuracy by an audiologist.
Contact us today to schedule a hearing exam and help us find the best hearing solution for you and your lifestyle!