OTC hearing aids are an FDA-regulated category of air-conduction hearing aids that can treat mild to moderate hearing loss in adults 18 and older. Air-conduction hearing aids are small, wearable hearing instruments that amplify sound frequencies and send them through the ear canal to the inner ear. The amplified sound then travels via the auditory nerve to the brain for processing.
The FDA created the OTC category on Aug. 16, 2022, and the devices hit the market three months later. Consumers can buy OTC hearing aids without an in-person hearing exam, prescription, or fitting appointment.
The FDA’s stated goals in making hearing aids available over-the-counter are to “assure the safety and effectiveness of OTC hearing aids, while fostering innovation and competition in the hearing aid technology marketplace.” So far, they’ve been doing just that. Based on our reviews team’s research, the price range of OTC devices is about $200 to $1,300 per pair. But prescription devices can cost up to six times that much, depending on the technology and level of sound processing.
Walgreens Now Sells OTC Hearing Aids
Due to the new FDA regulations, companies such as Walgreens are allowed to sell hearing aids directly to customers without the services of an audiologist or other hearing professional. The company has carried the Lexie Lumen in some stores in the past, but the retailer currently only sells hearing aids online. We contacted the Walgreens corporate office to see if they had plans to resume in-store hearing aid sales but didn’t receive an immediate response.
While it’s convenient to purchase a pair of hearing aids much like you would any other product from Walgreens, keep in mind that this also means you’ll be giving up in-person assistance. If you need help setting up your new hearing aids or run into issues down the road, contact the manufacturer for help.
Can I Get a Hearing Aid Without an Audiologist?
You can buy OTC hearing aids such as those sold at Walgreens without seeing an audiologist for a hearing exam or fitting. It’s still a good idea to have an in-person hearing exam before buying hearing aids, though. A thorough exam will give you an idea of your type and degree of hearing loss and allow the audiologist to rule out any underlying conditions that may need treatment other than hearing aids.
Where to Buy OTC Hearing Aids
You can find OTC hearing aids from a variety of retailers that sell healthcare devices, such as:
- Best Buy
- CVS
- Hyvee
- Walgreens
- Walmart
OTC hearing aid manufacturers also sell products on their websites, and you can find them at some hearing care clinics as well.
How Are OTC Hearing Aids Regulated?
OTC hearing aids are classified as medical devices and fall under the jurisdiction of the FDA’s regulatory process. You can find details of what constitutes an OTC hearing aid and the specific guidelines manufacturers must follow in the FDA’s final rule on OTC hearing aids.
How Much Time Does it Take to Adjust to OTC Hearing Aids?
Brian Murray, a hearing instrument specialist and workshop consultant for Alpaca Audiology in Raleigh, North Carolina, says that most people need up to a month to get used to hearing aids. During the first few weeks of wearing your devices, your brain is becoming accustomed to hearing sounds you may not have heard for years.
You will most likely get used to the sound of your voice in about a week, but it can take up to four weeks to acclimate to environmental sounds. Patience and consistent use are the keys to success. “Everyone is a little different and tolerance can vary. Sometimes it can take several months to get fully acclimated,” Murray says.
While it can be exciting to hear new sounds, you may also feel distracted or even overwhelmed at first. But it’s important to keep your hearing aids on for most of the day every day, even when you’re at home or in other quiet environments. Hearing specialists we spoke with say that consistent use helps to retrain your brain to process more sounds, which makes for a healthier brain and, over time, better quality of life.
