Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
Haven’t OTC Hearing Aids Been Around for a While?
Over-the-counter hearing aids differ significantly from the personal sound amplification products (hearing amplifiers) that have been readily available for quite some time. Unlike hearing aids, hearing amplifiers are not medical devices. Instead, they are a one-size-fits-all solution designed to be worn by individuals with normal hearing during certain activities, such as birdwatching and hunting. Hearing amplifiers make sounds louder, but not necessarily clearer. On the other hand, OTC hearing aids are designed to be worn by individuals with hearing loss during daily activities to help them better understand speech.
Are Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Right for You?
Unlike prescription hearing aids, over-the-counter hearing aids can be purchased without an in-person appointment at a hearing clinic. However, it is still a good idea to consult with a hearing aid specialist. For instance, an audiology doctor at Autumn Oak Speech, Voice, and Hearing, can perform a functional hearing test to check for underlying medical conditions that might be causing or contributing to your hearing loss—and that cannot be addressed with hearing aids. And if you do opt for over-the-counter hearing aids, your audiology doctor can ensure a perfect fit so you can make the most of them.
If you have questions or would like to explore our vast selection of innovative over-the-counter hearing aids, stop by our hearing clinic in Friendswood, TX, today. To learn more, you can also check out our patient resources and listen to our helpful podcast on your favorite platform.
