What are OTC Hearing Aids?

Hearing loss can have a number of impacts on your day-to-day life, whether you’re giving an important presentation at work or just catching up with friends at dinner. Hearing aids are the most common form of treatment for hearing loss and they can be incredibly beneficial in helping you regain confidence when communicating with others. There are a variety of different technologies to choose from – including both over-the-counter (OTC) devices and prescription hearing aids.  

Now, there are plenty of options available when it comes to choosing the right hearing aids to suit your requirements, and OTC devices are just one of the solutions you can choose from. Understanding how OTC hearing aids differ from traditional options and what limitations they have is critical to making the best decision for your specific needs. While both devices are used to treat hearing loss, there is a massive difference in their customizations and abilities. 

What are OTC Hearing Aids?

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids have become more commonplace in recent times, and they are one of the most popular forms of hearing aids on the market. Originally available to order from small ads in the back of magazines, these hearing aids have become more mainstream, and are now readily accessible to large audiences. OTC hearing aids are FDA approved as being medical devices designed to treat mild to moderate hearing loss in adults. OTC hearing aids are accessible to consumers, who can buy them directly without having to visit a hearing health professional.

They’re Regulated

One of the biggest advantages to consider when it comes to over-the-counter hearing aids is that they are regulated as medical devices by the FDA. This means you can be sure you know what you are buying, and you can be sure you are choosing something that has been taken care of, and that you can rely on these hearing aids to give you the outcome you want. These are an alternative to prescription hearing aids, and you can see an audiologist in order to help you secure the perfect hearing aids that will suit your needs and requirements. 

Understand Their Limitations

One of the key things to consider here is that these are not designed to help combat severe hearing loss, and are instead aimed at people with self-perceived hearing loss. They are perfect for those working with quiet environments, who are experiencing simple and uncomplicated hearing loss that can be treated and improved fairly easily, but if your hearing loss issues are more acute they would not be suitable. Understanding these limitations can help you in your decision-making. 

How They Differ

Something to think about when you are choosing a hearing aid is assessing the differences in the numerous styles and types so you can determine what works best for you. One of the biggest differences many people tend to note with OTC hearing aids is the lack of personalized care they provide versus prescription hearing aids, which many people tend to find work well and are more versatile. What’s more, OTC hearing devices are only suitable for those with mild to moderate hearing loss, making them ineffectual for any kind of hearing loss that is more severe. It is important to understand the differences that come with these particular hearing aids, and use this information to decide if this is the right choice for you.

Prescriptions Hearing Aids

For some people, the choice of prescription hearing aids will be one that is more preferable to OTC options. This offers a wider range of cover for hearing loss, as well as being able to target the most severe hearing loss you might be struggling with as well. It is important to make sure you understand the benefits of using prescription hearing aids, and what they can do for you. These are often the best option to help you improve your hearing in the most customized way, so it’s important to talk to an audiologist to determine the level of technology you need.

Improving your ability to hear and maintaining your everyday life are the most important considerations to make when selecting your hearing aids. You will wear these devices for several hours a day in a variety of different situations – including work, at home, out in public and when spending time with loved ones and friends; so, it’s crucial they fit seamlessly into your life. If you want more assistance or information on finding the ideal hearing aids for your specific needs, give Alliance Center a call at (701) 401-9719.