OTC Hearing Aids: Frequently Asked Questions

Being diagnosed with hearing loss can be a challenging task if you aren’t sure where to begin. Hearing aids are the most commonly recommended treatment, but with so many options to choose from, how do you know where to start?

For many years, the only option available to individuals with hearing loss was prescription devices. These hearing aids can only be purchased from a hearing care professional and require a hearing test to determine what kind of technology and features you can benefit most from. However, several months ago the FDA recently approved the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids in the United States. This many choices can make it confusing for a new hearing aid wearer to decipher what is right for them, so the easiest way to make this decision is to learn as much as you can about your options.

What are OTC Hearing Aids?

OTC hearing aids were approved to assist with adults who are looking to alleviate self-perceived, mild hearing loss. They were designed to be more accessible to the general public, enabling them to take proactive steps to treating hearing loss on their own. They are regulated by the FDA, which means they can only be sold to individuals over the age of 18 and must be clearly labeled with instructions for sale. They must also include any warnings and concerns that would quantify a trip to an audiologist.Easy access to hearing devices is an incredibly benefit OTC products can offer, but there are some drawbacks that can reduce their benefits. While this has made accessibility much greater, there are obvious limitations on this technology and it is simply not suitable for many cases of hearing loss.

What are Prescription Hearing Aids?

Traditional hearing aids are the kind of devices you purchase from your audiologist after having a thorough diagnostic hearing evaluation. With the results from this testing, your audiologist will talk to you about the severity of your hearing loss, as well as potentially the cause behind your problems.

Once a clear picture of your hearing loss has been established, the audiologist will talk over the various types of prescription hearing aids you have to choose from. There are numerous styles, but the most common include:

• Behind the ear (BTE): These devices are worn behind the ear and connect with a small tube to a microphone located close to the canal. They offer easy handling and can be packed with features.
• In the ear (ITE): Seated in the outer bowl of the ear, ITE devices are suitable for most mild-to-moderately-severe hearing losses and come in disguisable skin and hair tones.
• In the canal (ITC): Located in the canal, these are one form of discreet hearing aids that can treat mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
• Invisible in canal (IIC): The smallest of all hearing aids, these devices sit deep in the ear canal and provide wearers with a natural listening experience.
• Completely in canal (CIC): For individuals that don’t want a device that sits further in the canal, the CIC rests just inside and offers a similar sound profile without leaving your ears feeling clogged.

When you opt for a prescription hearing aid, not only are you getting a highly advanced device, you’re also getting the expertise of the audiologist treating you. This can be incredibly helpful in finding the right technology.

What are the Differences in OTC and Prescription Hearing Aids?

There are two essential differences in these devices that can greatly impact the success of your hearing loss treatment. When it comes to OTC and prescription devices, there is a big difference in the level of customization you can achieve with each option. OTC devices are designed in different forms, but all are basically designed with a one-size-fits-all approach to hearing loss. Settings can be changed invariably, but cannot be accurately tailored to your exact hearing profile. This means for individuals with more severe or complex cases of hearing loss, OTC devices likely won’t be able to offer them as much assistance as traditional options.

In addition to the technology they’re equipped with, OTC hearing aids also do not offer the follow-up care programs that traditional devices include. When you purchase a device from your audiologist, you’ll also be getting instructions on proper usage, daily maintenance required and support on any adjustments or repairs you may need. This can be incredibly important if you’re new to hearing aids or don’t know how to easily shift between programs.

If you are curious what hearing aids are right for you, consider scheduling a hearing test to establish a baseline. Hearing Professionals of Alabama has a caring team of professionals that are ready to help you make the most out of these tiny devices. Just give us a call today at one of our convenient locations in Auburn: (334) 539-5335 or Montgomery: (334) 557-8930.