Whether you are a hearing aid wearer or considering seeing a hearing health professional due to hearing impairment, you might seek some answers before your appointment. Some hearing health professionals might advise you to attain prescription devices, which are over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. If your queries are regarding OTCs, you have come to the right place, as this guide will share the top FAQs about OTC hearing devices.

What are OTC Hearing Aids?

Over-the-counter hearing aids are exactly what you might think – hearing aids that anyone can buy in a pharmacy. These can be purchased without the guidance of a hearing health professional or prescription. Like prescription hearing aids, over-the-counter hearing aids help adults engage in daily activities, such as listening, communicating and more.

Although an OTC device can be purchased without the guidance and assessment of a hearing health professional, it is advised to seek an evaluation of your hearing still. This ensures you purchase and wear the appropriate device to aid your hearing loss.

An OTC hearing aid is ideal for those with self-perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss who experiences difficulty hearing individuals in a group of people, have to ask people to speak slower and needs to turn up the volume higher than other people. Likewise, if speech or sounds often sound muffled, an OTC can aid with this level of hearing loss.

Can Anyone Wear OTCs?

Over-the-counter hearing aids are for those with self-perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. It is advised only to use and wear OTCs if you are over 18. Those with moderate to severe hearing loss will need a more substantial device and wear something other than an OTC.

Do I Need a Prescription for OTC Hearing Aids?

OTC hearing aids can be worn straight from the shelf. No prescription is needed. However, it is advised to seek advice for a hearing health professional to ensure that an OTC device is right for you. You might have moderate hearing loss, which will require a different device.

Can I Skip My Hearing Evaluation and Get OTC Hearing Aids Straight Away?

Everyone that feels they are experiencing hearing loss should seek a hearing evaluation. Whether your hearing loss is very mild or not, it is best to have an evaluation to assess what hearing aids you need. Should you need something different, they will ensure to provide you with the appropriate hearing device for your level of hearing loss.

Are they the Same as Prescription Devices?

Every case of hearing loss is unique; therefore, it is not guaranteed that OTC devices can offer the same hearing support as a prescribed hearing aid. However, should they come with various factory presets, an individual might be able to adjust the OTC to suit their hearing difficulties the same as they could with a prescribed device.

Prescription hearing aids are offered by hearing health professional to suit your hearing loss and ensure that you achieve the right support.