Over the Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids
It may seem as though purchasing a pair of OTC hearing aids is as simple and effective as purchasing a pair of reading glasses, but our eyes and ears are very different!
With glasses, a pair of drugstore readers can often bring things into focus, and a simple prescription can instantly correct a more complicated vision problem. With hearing aids, adjustments for specific sound frequencies come into play. Hearing loss is unique to each person.
Before you invest in better hearing, let’s talk about some of the differences between OTC and prescription hearing aids.
What Are OTC Hearing Aids?
Over the counter (OTC) hearing aids are a newer type of hearing device that can be purchased without a prescription or hearing test. They’re typically less expensive than prescription hearing aids, they can be a more affordable option, and can be purchased online or at various retail locations. OTC hearing aids are designed for those over the age of 18 with mild to moderate hearing loss.
OTC Heading Aids Functionality
Over the counter hearing aids are limited in their functionality. You don’t need a hearing test to obtain one because they don’t provide the customization, fine-tuning and adjustment features to address individual needs. They are designed only to amplify sounds. While they don’t offer the advanced technology and features of a prescription device, some allow limited self-adjustments through a smartphone app. With their curbed functionality, OTC devices do not address specific hearing needs.
Prescription hearing aids require a comprehensive diagnostic hearing evaluation by a professional audiologist. This most important step is where we learn about your individual needs and determine what functionalities will achieve your best results. We can detect issues via physical exam, refer out for imaging if we see something abnormal, remove cerumen if it is blocking the ear canal, and ensure temporary losses are assessed.
Without a hearing test, programming a hearing aid for treating hearing loss is purely a guess. The FDA also requires a hearing test within six months of hearing aid fitting to protect the patient and ensure their hearing is not over- or under-amplified.
Our audiologists understand that your unique hearing loss requires a customized solution. We work with you to find the right hearing aid with the features most important for addressing your individual needs – and the ongoing adjustments, routine care, and professional routine maintenance needed to maximize the life of your device. Just like a vehicle, proper hearing aid maintenance will help you get the full life out of your devices – on average, five to seven years.
OTC Hearing Aids Are Not Adjustable
We won’t be able to adjust or service OTC hearing aids. This is due to the way they are made. Most aren’t designed with adjustment capabilities and are brands we’re not trained to service.
In contrast, we can customize and fine-tune prescription hearing aids to ensure that they provide the best possible sound quality and meet your specific hearing-loss needs. When adjusting to a new pair of hearing aids, it is normal for it to take more than one hearing appointment to get them just right. Advanced Audiology includes one year of professional service and support with all our hearing aids.
On your first visit, your hearing evaluation helps us determine the type and severity of your hearing loss and a needs assessment help us understand your lifestyle. We’ll determine if you’re a hearing aid candidate, and if so, what listening and financial variables will best meet your needs.
Your second appointment is your hearing aid fitting and orientation, where you’ll learn about your device’s pieces and parts. We’ll make sure you’re comfortable putting the aids in your ears, show you the hearing aid programming capabilities, and we’ll help you connect your hearing aids to your cell phone if you’d like.
Typically two weeks after your fitting, we will reconnect to answer any questions that have come up, and run Real Ear Speech Mapping on the hearing aids, to verify hearing aid function. We will also continue to provide patient education and counseling regarding effective communication strategies.
OTC Hearing Aids Are Not Covered by Insurance
OTC hearing aids are not covered by an insurance benefit, which means that the full cost of the device must be paid out-of-pocket. They range widely in price, and can cost anywhere from $200 to several thousand dollars depending on their functionality.
Some insurance plans cover at least a portion of the cost of prescription hearing aids. It is important to check with your insurance provider to see what coverage is available for hearing aids. Advanced Audiology offers complete prescription hearing aid solutions in the range of $2,000-$5,300 per pair ($1000-$2,650/aid). If you have insurance help, this will reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. This includes the devices plus care and maintenance supplies, hearing aid programming, speech mapping measurements, one full year of hearing aid adjustments and programming, and up to a four-year repair and loss warranty.
If you have a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA), these can be used to cover the cost of both over the counter and prescription hearing aids.
While OTC hearing aids may seem like a convenient and affordable option for those with hearing loss, they may not be the best fit for everyone. Hearing loss is unique to each person, and most people don’t know if their condition is mild or greater, caused by a medical issue, or something simpler. It is important to consult with a professional audiologist to determine the best hearing aid solution for your specific needs and budget.
At Advanced Audiology, you can expect compassionate care from local, trusted Doctors of Audiology with deep roots in our community. We care about improving quality of life, not just selling devices. We make recommendations in the best interest of each patient and their needs. Just as no two hearing losses are the same, no two patients are the same. We truly care about every patient and work to find the optimal solution for every circumstance.
If you are interested in having a conversation or hearing loss evaluation for yourself or a loved one, click the button below to learn how to contact us.