What Are OTC Hearing Aids?

Hearing loss is something that many people experience at some point during their life. You may have noticed that your hearing has started to deteriorate as you get older, or perhaps you have developed hearing loss as a result of illness or an accident. Many people find that their hearing loss impacts their lifestyle, and they struggle to do everyday things like follow conversations in busy places or hear the television clearly. If this sounds like you, then it’s likely that you could benefit from using hearing aids. But with so many choices out there, like prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) devices, how do you know what is right for you?

What are OTC Hearing Aids?

OTC hearing aids are a type of device that works to amplify sounds for people who experience hearing loss. These differ from prescription devices because they can be purchased without the assistance of a hearing professional. They are designed for individuals over the age of 18 with uncomplicated, self-perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss.

What are Prescription Hearing Aids?

Prescription hearing aids are likely the traditional ones you think of when you discuss these types of devices. To obtain prescription hearing aids, you’ll need to set up an appointment with a hearing professional to have your hearing tested and a baseline established. After that, you will go over the results with the professional to better understand what type of amplification you require.

There are numerous kinds of hearing aid styles available, allowing you to choose a device that fits comfortably and offers discreetness, or something more advanced and feature-rich. Some of the most common options include:

• Behind the ear (BTE): BTE models sit behind the ear and use a tube or rigid connection to send the sound to an earbud inside the ear canal.
• In the canal (ITC): ITC models sit within the outer part of the ear canal, which makes them comfortable and still discreet.
• In the ear (ITE): ITE models sit entirely in the ear and are typically larger and slightly more pronounced.

Choosing the right style for you will depend entirely on your personal preference and lifestyle. The benefit of having a hearing professional when getting a hearing aid is that they can help you find the most suitable fit for your unique hearing profile.

Who Can Use OTC Hearing?

OTC hearing can be purchased by anyone 18 years and older who is experiencing self-perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss, as they are designed to help amplify sounds to make everyday conversations easier. Some signs that you are experiencing mild-to-moderate hearing loss are:

• Having difficulty hearing people in a group conversation or when there is background noise.
• Having trouble following conversations on the phone or in crowded places such as restaurants and malls.
• Finding that you need to ask people to repeat themselves often throughout the day.
• Sounds seem muffled and unclear.

For individuals experiencing more complex hearing loss or just noticing signs for the first time, it’s important to visit a hearing professional first. For example, if you are having trouble hearing loud noises such as trucks, sirens or loud appliances, then your hearing loss is considered severe and will require professional testing to determine the best course of action.

In addition, if you are experiencing any other ear problems, you may need to seek help from a hearing professional. These include:

• Bleeding from the ears.
• Severe pain or discomfort in your ears.
• Sudden hearing loss or rapid deterioration of hearing.
• Any other ear-related problems causing you any concern.

What is Right for You?

There are a variety of things to consider when determining what type of hearing aid is right for you. While OTC hearing aids do make the technology more accessible, there are many perks of care you are giving up when you forego seeing a professional. Your hearing professional will not only help you find the right device, they’ll also educate you on the proper ways to handle, maintain and care for the technology.

OTC hearing aids are not a solution for everyone, and it is important to speak with your hearing professional if you are unsure. Scheduling an appointment with a hearing professional enables you to establish a baseline so that even if you don’t have a current degree of hearing loss present, you can monitor if it begins to degrade over time. To learn more about how hearing aids can help you, contact Life Hearing & Tinnitus Health Centers at (239) 963-2429.