Cheaper Over the Counter Hearing Aids Are Here
Category: Health and Wellness Issues
Updated Jan. 30, 2024 — The FDA’s ruling that allows people over 18 to purchase hearing aids without a clinical assessment has been in effect for over a year now. It estimates that consumers could save up to $2800 with these air conduction devices when sold in stores like Best Buy, CVS, or Walgreens. The goal with this initiative is to help prevent the depression, mental decline, and lack of socialization that can come with hearing loss.
The ruling applies to people with mild to moderate hearing loss. If you think you might be a candidate for these, now is the time to do your homework – there is a lot of complexity to figure out before you buy.
Comments on "Cheaper Over the Counter Hearing Aids Are Here"
Jem says:
Thank you for this and although you say its time to do my homework on hearing aids, I feel you have given me a great cheat sheet. I'm not quite there yet, but I'm sure I will be someday. Helping my mother decide on the device was an ordeal and so I don't look forward to it, although it was almost 10 years ago. But it is good to see from the article there are many more choices available today. I hope others write about their experiences in their search and what they chose (and do more of the homework for me).
BillyBogey says:
Thank You. Told I need to start wearing them. My Answer is "Why??" If it wasn't HRH "The Princess" telling me I might listen.
Now; it's "The Daughter" telling me & I have learned to listen!!
Brian says:
I just got my second pair of hearing aids. I received my first set at age 53, so I'm younger than most folks who wear them. I had an injury to my ear that caused hearing loss. Let me tell you, your life will be so much more complete with them. You don't realize how much you're missing until you have them. Don't let your vanity get in the way of a more complete life. I received the type that has an app for your phone, so i can listen to music while I'm walking my dog. If you have family or friends telling you that you need hearing aids, take their advice and check into them. What I like most about them is that I feel like I'm getting a part of my youth back. It's like, OMG! i can hear again!
harry says:
I've been told I have moderate hearing loss and have had hearing aids for some 3 years now. i believe that the main cause was loud noises (like a firecracker). I've tried several models; some cheaper and some very expensive. None work adequately. Volume is not a problem - clarity in picking up conversations is the problem. Also having to replace batteries is a nuisance - the time a battery dies is never predictable and you must always plan on carrying spares unless you have rechargables. As volume is not a problem Bluetooth doesn't help. Always insist on negotiating as long a trial period as you can. Good luck!
Laurie says:
Hearing aids are great, but they do not work for everyone, as Harry can attest. NOTHING can duplicate the human ear. Hearing aids are not like glasses-putting on an aid does not immediately enable you to hear like you did when you were 20. There is quite a period of adjustment which can be painful. If your hearing loss is substantial, get tested and evaluated to see if you would be a candidate for a cochlear implant. I had my first pair of binaurals at age 32 and have purchased four pair in all, always chasing after something that would help me. At 60 I received a cochlear implant which has been life changing. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner, since I believe I could have advanced much further in my career had I been able to hear better.