Newly Available Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Offer Many Benefits, but Consumers Should Be Aware of the Potential Drawbacks

Newly Available Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Offer Many Benefits, but Consumers Should Be Aware of the Potential Drawbacks
Consumers should be aware of the potential drawbacks. Photo by Mark Paton on Unsplash
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U.S. retailers began selling over-the-counter hearing aids on Oct. 17, 2022, a long-awaited move that some experts predict could be a game-changer in making these devices accessible and affordable. A prescription is no longer needed, nor is a visit to a doctor or even a fitting appointment with a hearing specialist.
Instead, Americans can purchase hearing aids by going online or with a single trip to the nearest pharmacy or big-box store. These aids are only for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. For these consumers, over-the-counter hearing aids clearly offer an appealing alternative.
Bradley Kesser
Bradley Kesser
Author
Professor of Otology/Neurotology, University of Virginia
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