How to buy hearing aids over the counter

Hearing aids are a medical necessity for millions of Americans.

“7.1% of the population age 45 and older used a hearing aid,” according to the CDC. This figure is higher for men (8.9%) than for women (5.4%), but it doesn’t tell the whole story. The National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders estimates that “Approximately 28.8 million US adults could benefit from hearing aid use.”

It goes without saying that hearing aids are a significant cost factor and their demand is only going to increase.

That’s why it was Welcome news Monday, when federal law went into effect allowing hearing aids to be sold over the counter, allowing adults with mild to moderate hearing loss to buy the devices without a prescription.

For decades, it cost customers thousands of dollars to get a hearing aid. Now, over-the-counter hearing aids sell for a few hundred dollars. If you’re in the market for a hearing aid, it’s worth researching the options available. Find an affordable and reliable device today.

How to buy hearing aids over the counter

Here are three ways to buy a hearing aid without a prescription.

shopping spree

Even though a hearing aid is treated as a medical device, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do your homework. As with any other product you would buy for a significant sum, it pays to shop around to find the best price.

Just make sure you do an apples-to-apples comparison. So if you prefer rechargeable devices, make sure you get prices for these types from multiple service providers. Ditto if you prefer battery powered ones. By closely comparing devices from one provider to another, you can best determine which device is right for you. Use the table below to get started.

Visit your audiologist

Don’t miss out on the benefits of a hearing care professional just because you can buy hearing aids over the counter. In addition to examining your hearing closely, an audiologist can recommend budget-friendly options that best meet your specific needs.

Don’t just buy the first hearing aid you see at your local pharmacy. Speak to the audiologist first to determine the best hearing aid for your specific hearing loss. Then use the table above to look for that specific type, or call a hearing care professional who can help find a device for you.

Know the return policy

When looking for over-the-counter hearing aids, be sure to look for those with longer return policies (think 30+ days). This allows you to try out the device without making a long-term commitment to it. is it comfortable Can you wear it for a long time? What is the quality of your hearing when using it?

It’s not yet clear how much help (if any) customers will receive in-store when choosing a hearing aid. Some stores may offer instructions, but others do not. So make sure you can return it within a reasonable amount of time if it doesn’t meet your standards.

Other considerations

Since this rule has only recently come into effect, there are bound to be some growing pains. And with more potential customers, there are likely to be more vendors in this space.

So take your time. Shop around, talk to your audiologist, and don’t be afraid to return equipment that doesn’t work for you.

Do you have any further questions? Speak to a hearing care professional today who can help you get started.