In 2017, the Congress passed legislation: requiring Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to create a category about OTC hearing aids but the implementation has been fully realized recently, and then the OTC hearing aids became available for purchase at traditional retail outlets and pharmacies on October 17, 2022.
What Are Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids are medical devices designed to assist in the treatment of hearing impairment, people can wear either behind the ear or within the ear canal. And OTC hearing aids are air-conduction hearing aids that do not require implantation or other surgical intervention. They bring amplified sound into the ear canal. Sound then moves through the eardrum and three tiny bones in the middle ear to reach the inner ear, where it’s processed and sent to the brain.
What Are the Benefits of OTC Hearing Aids
1.Less cost: OTC hearing aids are generally much cheaper than those from professional audiology clinics. This makes OTC hearing aids more accessible for individuals on a tight budget.
2.Convenience: Individuals can buy OTC hearing aids directly from pharmacies, retail stores, or online without waiting for a hearing evaluation.
3.Not need appointment: Purchasing OTC hearing aids does not require a professional hearing assessment and long wait times. This is a significant benefit for those who do not have the time.
4.Encourages Early Intervention: The convenience of purchasing OTC hearing aids may encourage more people with hearing issues to start using hearing devices earlier.
However, it is also important to note that OTC hearing aids may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with severe or profound hearing issue or those requiring more personalized adjustments might still need professional hearing services. Therefore, before purchasing OTC hearing aids, it is recommended to consult professional doctor to ensure the chosen device fits your needs.
Who is a good candidate for OTC hearing aids
1.Sounds or speech seem quite to you.
2.You have trouble to hear when you in a group setting, or you need to face others to understand their words.
3.You always require others speak loudly or repeat themselves.
4.The people around you always complain that you turn up the sounds of your phone too high.
How to choose a suitable OTC hearing aids
1.Does it possess Bluetooth capability?
2.Is it able to connect to your mobile phone?
3.What is the life of battery, and is it rechargeable?
4.Can it eliminate background noise?
The Nearity hearing aids’ HeadPod Air, is an AI-Powered noise cancelling hear aids with FDA cleared that encompasses all the aforementioned advantages, ensuring an exceptional experience.
How much will OTC Hearing Aids cost?
The price of OTC hearing aids depends on the complexity and features of one device, and the costs also be affected by other provisions such as service, return and so on. The device which provides telephone-based help and remote programming charge approximately $1,500 to $3,000 for a pair of OTC hearing aids. Off-the-shelf devices that do not offer those services may cost approximately $200 to $800 for a pair of devices.
The HearPod Air, manufactured by Nearity hearing aids, only need $299, and if you find it unsuitable, you may return or exchange it free of charge.
The future of OTC hearing aids
The future of OTC hearing aids will be defined by several key points. The first one is the technology innovation, the development of technology will make OTC hearing aids more intelligent and efficient, the application of AI will optimize the auditory experience. The second point is the endorsement of policy, the support of policy will enhance people’ acceptance of OTC hearing aids also makes market of OTC hearing aids more standardized, ensuring the safety of users. The last key point is the market competition, with large numbers of people notice and participate the market of OTC hearing aids, intense competition between inevitably drive the innovation of technology and meanwhile reduce consumers’ costs. Technology innovation, endorsement of policy and market competition are three crucial factors to determine the future of OTC hearing aids.
Conclusion
With the advancement of technology, an increasing array of OTC hearing aids has emerged, offering considerable convenience to individuals. At the same time, it is crucial to consider how to select an OTC hearing aids that are suitable for oneself. The Nearity hearing aids’ HeadPod Air which is an AI-Powered noise cancelling hear aids with FDA cleared has aided a growing number of people with hearing impairments, received numerous positive reviews. Nearity has complimentary trial program, providing qualifying users with free hearing aids. For more information, please contact us at marketing@nearity.co.
