The recent FDA ruling for Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids will transform the hearing health care landscape by creating a new regulatory class of hearing aids. Companies, including local pharmacies, may begin selling these devices as early as mid-October.
While access to OTC hearing aids will be expanded widely and at more affordable costs, they are not right for everyone, according to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
ASHA, national leader in the areas of speech, language, and hearing for nearly 100 years, cautions that while more Americans will be able to benefit from OTC hearing aids, certified audiologists should be consulted prior to purchasing such a device.
"Audiologists can be proactive about addressing questions from patients and other health care professionals," the organization notes. And new polling shows many Americans agree: Nearly 9 in 10 (87%) Americans say that it would be important to have a diagnosis from a trained medical professional before buying any kind of hearing aid.
You can learn more in this interview with Janice R. Trent, Au.D. CCC/A, American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Vice President for Audiology Practice
What are some of the pros of hearing aids being available over the counter?
The coming of over-the-counter hearing aids this fall will be a very positive development for millions of Americans with hearing difficulties. They will expand access to care and be more affordable than prescription hearing aids. However, consumers need to understand that over-the-counter hearing aids will only be for people age 18 and older who have mild to moderate hearing loss. Also, I want to emphasize that they will not be for children.
Why is it still more effective to get an evaluation with a certified audiologist?
The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association—where I serve as Vice President for Audiology Practice—recommends that the public get a comprehensive hearing evaluation as a first step, before they purchase anything. The causes of hearing loss vary in nature and severity. No hearing aid is the answer in every case. Without the benefit of professional guidance, consumers could purchase over-the-counter hearing aids easily underestimating or overestimating their hearing loss. A comprehensive hearing evaluation by a certified audiologist—a highly trained professional who can provide appropriate testing with calibrated equipment that ensures continuity of test results from one health facility to the next---would determine whether using an over-the-counter hearing aid would be an appropriate and effective answer to a person’s hearing difficulties.
What are some signs that people might have hearing loss that would be helped by hearing aids?
If you search online, you will find many reported signs of hearing loss that will require hearing aid use including:
Asking for repetition
Difficulty on the telephone
Trouble following conversations, especially in a noisy environment
Fatigue
Withdrawing from social situations because of difficulty hearing others
Difficulty understanding speech.
Gradual loss of hearing.
Sudden loss of hearing.
Full or “stuffy” sensation in the ear.
Muffled Hearing.
Ringing in the ear.
Dizziness.
Signs 8-12 are also indicators of a possible medical condition that should be evaluated by a certified audiologist who will make a medical referral, if needed.
How can people find resources to treat hearing loss near them?
The public can find local certified audiologists through ProFind, ASHA’s online directory www.asha.org/profind or by emailing audiology@asha.org Also, they can find information about hearing at www.asha.org/public
For more resources, please visit ASHA.org and the OTC Hearing Aid Toolkit
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