Still Plenty of Consumer Questions Regarding OTC Hearing Aids
Hearing loss is a communication disorder that affects physical and emotional health. It calls for intervention and treatment. However, professional help may be hard to find and hearing aids are often unaffordable for many of those with hearing loss. To provide more accessible and affordable options, FDA-regulated Over-the-Counter (OTC) hearing aids were released for retail sale in October 2022. Packaging must state specifically that the devices are Hearing Aids.
OTC is self-help hearing care.
Currently, there are over 40 companies in the chaotic OTC hearing aid market – including some of the prescription hearing aid manufacturers. No wonder people are confused. According to a recent survey by the Hearing Loss Association of America (HLAA), 76% of the participants stated that they knew about these devices but 55% expressed confusion or stated that they did not have enough information.
Read all the product information! Over-the-Counter (OTC) means that professional help, diagnostic hearing tests and hearing aid prescriptions are no longer needed. The consumer is in charge. OTC hearing aids are meant for adults, 18years of age and older, with a perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. Originally, they were meant to be sold in retail stores and online. But lately, some hearing aid clinics also sell OTC hearing aids.
Recurring questions
Ever since their release, the same questions come up during webinars meant to clear up some of the confusion and misunderstandings. Here are a few examples:
- How Can I tell how much hearing loss I Have? Do I even qualify for OTC Hearing aids?
Perceived symptoms include: Sound is dull. People seem to mumble. It is difficult to understand speech in background noise. OTC hearing aid companies usually have some online “screening” tools on their websites. Although these are NOT diagnostic tests, they might well prevent people from wasting time and money on technology that is no longer enough to help them hear better. That said, the only way to find out about hearing loss details is to have a professional hearing test done. Medicare Part B might even cover some of the cost of a doctor-prescribed diagnostic test. But the final decision is left to the consumer.
2. What is the “best” OTC hearing aid?
It all depends on what the meaning of “best” is. Best audio? Best fit or design? Usually, it would be best value for the money. Not all OTC hearing aids are alike and what works best for one person might not work for others. There is great variability in sound quality, fit, features, comfort and customer support. All of those affect the price. Those who google “Best OTC Hearing Aids” will find that quite a few review sites pop up. But how biased are those reviews? In the end, buyers weigh the pros and cons. They are the judges of what is “best” for them.
3. What if the device that I chose does not work for me?
It happens. Given so many options, the first choice might not be the best or final one. During information sessions, the point is often made to be very clear on the details of customer assistance and Return & Reimbursement Policies. How long is the trial period? 30 to 45 days are common although some companies are more generous. It takes time to learn the technology and for the brain to adapt to tweaks. Ultimately, the questions are: Is this device a keeper? Do I want to start all over? Customers decide.
4. Technology literacy!
This is a significant barrier for many. Become familiar with the technology details and instructions. In the OTC hearing aid market, it is desirable to be at least somewhat tech & app savvy. Is the hearing aid compatible with the customer’s laptop, smartphone etc? What about software requirements? Is this device preset, programmable or even self-fitting? What’s the difference? And so, how much technology and/or audiology support does the manufacturer provide? Byers decide if – and how much – technology they can handle on their own. Who might help? A family member or friend? A local hearing clinic?
We are in charge
In the end, qualified adult consumers decide if the OTC hearing aid market is for them. They decide if they have hearing loss that can be self-treated. They are in charge of getting and understanding all of the product information, including contract, trial time, warranty and financial details. OTC means that we, the people are in charge of the transaction – from start to finish.