The Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid Act, which was passed by Congress in 2017 and fully implemented by the FDA in 2022. It allows adults with mild to moderate hearing loss to buy hearing aids without a prescription, medical exam, or fitting by an audiologist.
🔍 What Changed?
- Before: Hearing aids could only be purchased through licensed professionals, often costing $3,000–$7,000 per pair.
- Now: Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are available at pharmacies, electronics stores, and online—often for under $1,000.
âś… Benefits
- Greater accessibility for millions of Americans
- Lower costs due to increased competition
- Easier entry point for people hesitant to seek professional help
⚠️ Limitations
- OTC devices are not suitable for severe hearing loss or children
- Lack of custom fitting and professional tuning may affect performance
- Some users may struggle with setup and maintenance without guidance
This shift is part of a broader push to make hearing care more affordable and reduce barriers to treatment.
i would never advise anyone to buy a hearing aid OTC without any hearing assessment. Except in cases of the most negligible loss, it’s a sure way to disappointment and waste of money.