- Answers to common questions about over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids
- Guidance on which kinds of hearing loss can be helped by OTC hearing aids
- When to seek a comprehensive hearing evaluation by a professional
Following approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, you can now find over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids at your local pharmacy, at big-box stores and at online retailers.
That’s positive news for many adults with mild-to-moderate hearing loss who may not have had access to prescription hearing aids. But though they are more accessible and can be more affordable, OTC hearing aids are not right for everyone.
It’s also important to note that going without a medical evaluation of your ears and hearing could cause you to miss or delay treatment for underlying issues that might be more serious.
We talked with our Pharmacy team about who can benefit from OTC hearing aids and who should seek a comprehensive hearing evaluation from a hearing specialist before trying them. Read on for their guidance.
OTC hearing aids are now available at Carilion Clinic retail pharmacies, and this is what our Pharmacy team wants you to know about them:
They’re effective for people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss.
OTC hearing aids will not work for moderately severe-to-profound hearing loss.
They’re not for people with any abnormal ear- or hearing-related symptoms.
You should not use OTC hearing aids if you have any:
- Deformity, discharge, discomfort or pain in your ears
- Dizziness or vertigo
- Hearing loss or ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that is sudden, quickly worsening or fluctuating, or that occurs or is noticeably different in one ear
- History of excessive earwax, or a feeling that something is in your ear
If you’re experiencing any of these, please see a healthcare professional and get your ears checked out before purchasing hearing aids!
Your insurance may cover them.
Please contact your insurance company to find of out if they will cover the cost of OTC hearing aids. They’re also considered an over-the-counter prescription, so you can choose to use FSA funds to cover the cost. Without insurance, costs range from $500 to $1,000 for a set.
You'll decide which hearing aids to buy.
You may be able to ask store staff for help—but remember, it’s unlikely that they will have specialized training in hearing loss and hearing technology programming. Before purchasing hearing aids, make sure to read all the information on their box.
It’s still best to see an audiologist—even if you want to go the OTC route.
It’s easy to overestimate or underestimate our own hearing difficulty—the most accurate diagnosis will always come from an audiologist. Audiologists are the experts in hearing healthcare. They can provide you with a comprehensive hearing evaluation that will show you the degree of hearing loss and the part of the ear—outer, middle or inner—that is causing your hearing loss.
Next Steps
This information, taken together, will help you decide if OTC hearing aids are your best choice or if prescription hearing aids will better meet your needs.
If you have any concerns or questions about your ear health and hearing, set up a time to talk about it with your primary care physician to see if a referral to an audiologist is in order. Find out more about OTC hearing aids from Carilion Clinic Pharmacy.
