The Latest Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Are Available Near Webster, TX
In 2022, hearing health was elevated to the top of the U.S. healthcare agenda. The long-awaited regulation of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) went into effect. This groundbreaking development can potentially transform the lives of millions of American adults who have mild to moderate hearing loss. Before this new regulation was enacted, the only option for many people was prescription hearing aids, which were often out of reach due to their high cost. For this reason and others, only one in five people who could benefit from hearing aids actually wore them.
Consumers can now explore, purchase, and receive over-the-counter hearing aids online and in stores—without the involvement of a doctor. While this is undeniably great news, it might seem a little overwhelming to some people. The audiology doctors at Autumn Oak Speech, Voice, and Hearing understand, and we’re available to help near Webster, Texas. In addition to offering comprehensive hearing care and prescription hearing aids from licensed hearing care professionals, we also offer a selection of OTC hearing aids. We know that not everyone can make multiple office visits for a variety of reasons, including cost, location, and mobility. By offering over-the-counter hearing aids, we believe we can help even more people hear better.
An Excellent Option—For Some People
While over-the-counter hearing aids are both more affordable and more readily available than prescription devices, they are not the best choice for everyone. Those who go the OTC route must understand the trade-offs; namely, they will be giving up a certain level of personalized care from a trained audiologist. This is important to consider because a successful experience with hearing aids requires much more than high-quality equipment.
Just like eyeglasses, hearing aids are not a one-size-fits-all solution. For the best results, the devices must be finetuned, pitch by pitch, based on the results of a comprehensive hearing test. Even though many OTC hearing aids can be generally adjusted for bass and treble, only an audiology doctor can provide the unique prescription that would help the wearer hear to their maximum potential. Additionally, there are no opportunities for a professional fitting, counseling on proper use and maintenance, or follow-up care. This could lead an individual to become discouraged and incorrectly conclude that hearing aids don’t work for them.
Talk With an Audiologist at Autumn Oak
If you are interested in over-the-counter hearing aids, the audiology doctors at Autumn Oak Speech, Voice, and Hearing can help ensure that you have the best possible experience. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at our hearing center near Webster, TX.
