Article by Gwen Jones, Department of Family Services
(Posted 2023 July)
If you experience hearing loss, you aren’t alone. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, nearly 30 million adults in the United States have some degree of hearing loss, but only a fifth of those who could benefit from a hearing aid seek help. Unfortunately, the consequences of living with untreated hearing loss are significant. Hearing loss is a risk factor for dementia, cognitive decline, depression, and other health problems.
However, a recent change to how hearing aids are regulated may prove to be a game changer. In August 2022, the FDA issued a rule establishing a regulatory category for over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. This means that hearing aids, previously available only by prescription, are now available for purchase in store and online. This change provides greater access and device affordability, allowing more people to correct their hearing loss, improving health outcomes, and quality of life.
The new OTC hearing aids are intended only for people 18 and older who have perceived mild to moderate hearing loss. According to the FDA, signs of mild to moderate hearing loss include:
- Difficulty hearing speech in noisy places.
- Difficulty following speech in groups.
- Difficulty hearing on the phone.
- Listening makes you tired.
- Setting the volume on the TV or radio to levels others consider too loud.
OTC hearing aids are not appropriate for people with severe hearing loss or for people experiencing certain diagnosed conditions (such as tinnitus). Signs of severe hearing loss include the inability to hear speech, even in a quiet room, and the inability to hear loud sounds, such as power tools and engines. In those cases, you should seek treatment from an ear-nose-throat (ENT) doctor. You should also seek treatment from an ENT doctor if your hearing loss is sudden or if you lose hearing in only one ear.
If you are considering purchasing a OTC hearing aids, the Hearing Loss Association of America advises asking these questions:
- Is there a free trial period or money back return policy?
- Does the device require a smartphone, app, or computer to install, operate, and customize it?
- Is it compatible with cellphones or smartphones?
- Does it have connectivity via Bluetooth?
- Can the amplification be adjusted?
- Is it water/sweat resistant?
- How does it control, reduce, or block out background or wind noise?
- How long is the battery life? Is it rechargeable?
Additionally, a product should be clearly labeled as an OTC hearing aid and not a personal sound amplification product (PSAP). PSAPs are for people with normal hearing who want to amplify sound in certain situations, such as bird watching.
Additional Resources
- Hearing Loss Association of America is a nonprofit organization with a mission to provide information, education, support, and advocacy for people with hearing loss. Tips and a shopping checklist for purchasing an OTC hearing aid can be found on their website, HearingLoss.org.
- Hearing Industries Association serves as a forum for hearing aid manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, and hearing health professionals. Visit their website for news and information about hearing aids at BetterHearing.org.
- The AARP Hearing Center includes articles, tools and resources related to hearing loss and hearing aids. Visit their website at aarp.org/health/conditions-treatments/hearing-resource-center.
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).