Best Over the Counter Hearing Aids: A Guide to Treatment Options
Hearing loss affects millions of people worldwide. As an audiologist, I work with patients of all ages, levels of hearing loss, and communication needs. Various treatment options are available depending on the severity of one’s hearing loss. Some people opt for an over the counter (OTC) hearing aid as a solution for their hearing loss. The good news is that there are affordable hearing aids for any situation. Read on to learn more about OTC hearing aids and how they can help you or someone you know with hearing loss.
Types of Hearing Loss
Hearing loss is usually categorized into three categories based on its severity; mild, moderate, and severe. Mild hearing loss means that the person can still hear soft sounds but may struggle to understand some speech in noisy environments.
Moderate hearing loss is when a person has difficulty understanding most speech in quiet or noisy environments, including spoken words from family members or friends. While there are many options for treatment, in this article, we’ll go over the best over the counter hearing aids that can benefit.
- Affordable
- Mild to moderate hearing loss treatment
- Less personalization
- Not for more severe hearing loss
What is an over the counter hearing aid?
The OTC hearing aids category includes different types of hearing aids for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. Some devices resemble earbuds, while others are RIC or BTE-style hearing aids. The best over the counter hearing aids offer some flexibility with options that work for you. Unlike prescription hearing aids, you can buy hearing aids online or at certain retailers. While these hearing aids are not for everyone, they are an accessible option for some.
Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs) vs. Prescription Hearing Aids
Personal Sound Amplification Products (PSAPs) amplify sound for those with normal hearing in certain situations. PSAPs are not meant to treat hearing loss and make all sounds louder, both speech and background noise. While PSAPs are less expensive than prescription hearing aids, they do not treat hearing loss and cannot help with speech understanding in background noise.
In contrast, prescription-based hearing aids treat hearing loss and require a hearing test before purchasing from a hearing health professional, such as an audiologist or hearing care professional.
Prescription-based devices provide better sound quality and hearing support than PSAPs because they come with adjustments made specifically for each individual’s hearing loss configuration compared to the one-size-fits-all approach of a PSAP. Lastly, prescription-based devices also come with warranty coverage.
Where can you buy OTC Hearing Aids?
Several hearing aid manufacturers make OTC hearing aids. Some of the most popular options on the OTC hearing aid market include options that you can purchase online or in direct-to-consumer care models. In some cases, you can buy otc hearing aids at the local Walgreens.
How much do they cost?
Quality OTC hearing aids cost between $800 to $2000 per pair. While some devices on the market cost less, they generally are not good quality. I’ve tested a handful of these products and found they are not beneficial.
Best Over the Counter hearing aids
When purchasing hearing aids, regardless of the hearing aid devices you select, it’s essential to make the right choice for you. Looking for affordable hearing aids? If you feel independent and have mild to moderate hearing loss, the best hearing aids can be a prescription hearing aid or an OTC hearing aid. Let’s look at some of the best hearing aid companies for the best OTC hearing aids:
This company is a great choice and is virtually invisible in the ear.
Bose Lexie B2 hearing aids are a high quality OTC hearing aid option with a user friendly Smartphone app and great sound quality.
These hearing aids are really impressive for an OTC device. I’ve tried they hearing aids and tested them myself.
What if I need more support?
Fortunately, there are other options other than purchasing hearing aids directly. If you find OTC devices too challenging to adjust or need a more customized approach, other care models will offer what you need. For example, there are telecare options to support you with a hearing care professional via Telehealth. Here is one example:
Jabra Enhance Select
Jabra Enhance Select
If you have a more limited budget, consider a hearing aid brand with a lower level of technology through an audiologist or hearing care provider.
Additionally, if you have more severe hearing loss, look at the best hearing aids for severe hearing loss.
The Ultimate Guide to Hearing Aid Cleaning
Are you having trouble hearing?
The first step is to have a hearing exam. Untreated hearing loss affects your overall health and well-being. While everyone is different regarding their hearing loss and needs, consider whether you need prescription devices or OTC hearing aids.
Read more about reasons to check your hearing.
Conclusion:
OTC and prescription-based solutions both have their pros and cons when it comes to treating hearing loss, so it is essential for individuals looking into these options to consider their level of impairment and lifestyle needs before making any decisions on which type would be best suited towards their individual situation prior investing in either option.
Those who aren’t sure which course of action is best should seek advice from an audiologist or other healthcare provider before purchasing any device, as they can provide guidance based on the individual’s lifestyle needs to make sure that the right decision is being made when considering these two types of solutions. With this information in mind, you’ll have all the knowledge needed to make an informed decision regarding your treatment plan and whether the best over the counter hearing aids are right for you.
