ALL ABOUT OVER THE COUNTER HEARING AIDS
You may have the impression that hearing aids are relatively expensive. Perhaps this notion is the reason why over the counter hearing aids are getting all hyped up lately. You can now buy over-the-counter hearing aids for much less than you would pay at an audiologist, of course, sans the professional servicing, diagnosis, and real ear measurement procedure.
Over the counter hearing aids don’t have as many features as other models, so if you want hearing aids with the big guns (read as the most updated features and technology), visiting your trusted hearing clinic is still the best way to go.
WHO CAN USE OVER THE COUNTER HEARING AIDS?
Hearing loss can have a huge impact on your life. Some of the things you may be experiencing are difficulty communicating with others, feeling like you’re missing out on entertainment, and more. Thankfully, there are plenty of solutions to help those who suffer from hearing loss lead happier lives – such as OTC hearing aids.
These small devices can make a big difference for people with mild to moderate hearing loss by helping them hear better in certain situations – especially when watching TV or listening to music.
ARE OVER THE COUNTER HEARING AIDS RECOMMENDED FOR SEVERE OR ONE SIDED HEARING LOSS?
If you have trouble hearing in one ear, custom-molded hearing aids are your best bet. They’ll help to amplify the sound from that side of your head so that it’s as loud and clear as possible. Traditional hearing aids also work well for those who need a more durable solution than foam or wax plugs because they’re less likely to fall out when you’re busy going about your day. Visit an audiologist today to find out what these amazing devices can do for you!
If you’re in Springfield PA, our team at PA Center for Hearing and Balance will be happy to assist you with any of your hearing needs.
If you’re in Springfield PA, our team at PA Center for Hearing and Balance will be happy to assist you with any of your hearing needs.
OVER THE COUNTER HEARING AIDS: FDA APPROVAL
If you’re looking for a quick fix to your hearing issues, you may consider over the counter hearing aids. The FDA classifies them as Class II medical devices that don’t require premarket approval but must meet safety standards once they’re on the market. This means manufacturers aren’t required to report problems with their products unless they receive complaints directly from users or health professionals about serious injuries associated with using them (such as burns caused by improper use).
The FDA has a different kind of classification system for medical devices, and it can be hard to tell what type of device you’re buying when there’s no requirement for maker labeling. With millions of Americans suffering from untreated hearing loss, the call for affordable hearing devices is more urgent than ever. OTC hearing aids may offer a fresh new way to reduce the amount of people going deaf, if only they all worked as they are advertised.
The FDA has a different kind of classification system for medical devices, and it can be hard to tell what type of device you’re buying when there’s no requirement for maker labeling. With millions of Americans suffering from untreated hearing loss, the call for affordable hearing devices is more urgent than ever. OTC hearing aids may offer a fresh new way to reduce the amount of people going deaf, if only they all worked as they are advertised.
THE DEAL WITH OVER THE COUNTER HEARING AIDS
Over the counter hearing aids may just be too good to be true – affordable, accessible, easy to use. But can it really address hearing loss?
Think of it like buying a pair of OTC glasses even when you have a very high eye prescription. You’ll end up a.) wasting money, b.) wasting time, c.) endangering your eyesight or d.) all of the above. The same concept applies to buying over the counter hearing aids without being seen by an audiologist. It’s like getting blind treatment for something that you don’t even know the severity of.
That being said, if you would really like to try over the counter hearing aids, we suggest that you consult with an audiologist first to at least get an accurate and updated assessment of your hearing health. Audiologists will also be honest with you whether your hearing can improve with over the counter hearing aids or not.
Think of it like buying a pair of OTC glasses even when you have a very high eye prescription. You’ll end up a.) wasting money, b.) wasting time, c.) endangering your eyesight or d.) all of the above. The same concept applies to buying over the counter hearing aids without being seen by an audiologist. It’s like getting blind treatment for something that you don’t even know the severity of.
That being said, if you would really like to try over the counter hearing aids, we suggest that you consult with an audiologist first to at least get an accurate and updated assessment of your hearing health. Audiologists will also be honest with you whether your hearing can improve with over the counter hearing aids or not.
WHY ARE OVER-THE-COUNTER HEARING AIDS BECOMING AVAILABLE NOW?
A big issue facing adults with hearing loss is lack of access to hearing health care. A group of leading experts have been working together in order to find solutions, and they are making progress. Recently, they recommended changing some regulations that studies showed were barriers for adults getting the help they need. They also recommend that the FDA create guidelines and quality standards so more accessible products can be made available for adults everywhere who might need them!
ADVANTAGES OF OVER THE COUNTER HEARING AIDS
In the past, those who wanted hearing assistance were limited to only two options: expensive and difficult-to-get devices or community support services which are notoriously hard to use. Now, more OTC hearing aids are being offered because of the convenience and affordability they provide for all individuals with hearing impairments, no matter their income level or physical ability.
Finally, seniors will be given the opportunity to buy affordable and effective hearing aids by over-the-counter retailers. The FDA has approved several products for sale without a prescription, which means more people can take advantage of this new option. This is great news for those who need help but cannot afford traditional devices. Just take note though that over the counter hearing aids will not be as effective as traditional hearing aids, especially if it’s just bought without any consultation from an audiologist.
Finally, seniors will be given the opportunity to buy affordable and effective hearing aids by over-the-counter retailers. The FDA has approved several products for sale without a prescription, which means more people can take advantage of this new option. This is great news for those who need help but cannot afford traditional devices. Just take note though that over the counter hearing aids will not be as effective as traditional hearing aids, especially if it’s just bought without any consultation from an audiologist.
DISADVANTAGES OF OVER THE COUNTER HEARING AIDS
Hearing loss is not just a simple case of being unable to hear people speak when they are far away. It can be caused by many different things, such as chronic ear infections or even loud noise from machinery at work. What’s more, hearing loss occurs in both the ears and isn’t just in one specific area. If you have hearing loss, but it doesn’t seem to be getting worse over time and your quality of life isn’t being severely impacted by it, then there may be no need for medical intervention at this point. However if you think that it’s affecting your day-to-day life significantly, you should visit an audiologist who will test your hearing through either invasive or noninvasive means depending on what type or severity of your hearing loss.
Wearing over-the-counter hearing aids may be the perfect solution for those looking to save time and money but they just can’t compare with custom fitted devices. Over-the-counter hearing aids are reliable options for people who have mild hearing loss, but they cannot treat underlying medical conditions that could be causing your hearing loss, such as tinnitus or other symptoms. In addition, many people with moderate to severe hearing loss find it difficult to get adequate sound amplification from these types of devices because their personal needs are not taken into account. The best way to protect your precious ears is by visiting an audiologist and getting a custom fitted device.
Looking for an audiologist to fit you with the best hearing aids specifically for your hearing loss? Visit us at PA Center for Hearing and Balance. Don’t delay your journey to better hearing – call us today.
Wearing over-the-counter hearing aids may be the perfect solution for those looking to save time and money but they just can’t compare with custom fitted devices. Over-the-counter hearing aids are reliable options for people who have mild hearing loss, but they cannot treat underlying medical conditions that could be causing your hearing loss, such as tinnitus or other symptoms. In addition, many people with moderate to severe hearing loss find it difficult to get adequate sound amplification from these types of devices because their personal needs are not taken into account. The best way to protect your precious ears is by visiting an audiologist and getting a custom fitted device.
Looking for an audiologist to fit you with the best hearing aids specifically for your hearing loss? Visit us at PA Center for Hearing and Balance. Don’t delay your journey to better hearing – call us today.
PA Center for Hearing and Balance offers comprehensive hearing tests in the Springfield, PA area. Give us a call to be connected with our audiologist.
Hear Better. Live Better.
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130 S. State Road,
Suite 201 Springfield, PA 19064 -
905 West Sproul Rd,
Suite 201 Springfield, PA 19064 - 610-438-5203