Over the Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

OTC hearing aids are a new type of “medical device” that meets FDA standards. They are designed for use in adults with “mild to moderate” hearing loss. They are not for people 18 years old or younger.

Personal sound amplifiers (PSAPs) are different and are not advised for people with hearing loss.

With mild to moderate hearing loss, you may have trouble:

• Understanding group conversations.

• Hearing if there is background noise.

• Hearing if people are not facing you.

• Turning up the volume on the TV or radio louder than others would like.

• Your family and friends complain that you are not hearing well.
  

Things to Consider:

• You can buy them from big-box stores, electronic stores and online retailers.

• Be sure the package says, “over the counter hearing aid”.

• An Audiology clinic may also provide OTC devices & follow up.

• You may need a computer, smartphone or app to install, operate or customize them.

• There is a wide range of models & pricing. Be sure to find out the trial period or return policy before making a purchase.

OTC devices are not the same as prescription hearing aids. Prescription devices can be tuned more finely and have better sound control. They also have a wider fitting range to adjust for a range of hearing loss.

Testing

A hearing test is not needed to buy OTC.

The best way to know if they will work for you is to see an audiologist for a hearing evaluation (audiogram).
This measures the degree & type of hearing loss. It can help decide if they are right for you or if a prescription hearing aid would be better.

It can be very hard to decide the amount of hearing difficulty you have or don’t have on your own.

Audiologists are trained healthcare providers who test and give advice on hearing loss.

You must see a medical provider if you have any of the following:

• Ear deformity.

• Drainage from the ear such as fluid, puss or blood.

• Hearing loss or tinnitus (ringing) that is only in 1 ear or if there is a obvious difference between your ears.

• Pain or discomfort in the ear(s).

• History of too much ear wax or a feeling of blockage.

• Sudden decline, or worsening hearing loss.

• Vertigo or severe dizziness.
  

Who to Call

UW Health Audiology
1 S. Park Medical Center
608-287-2500

University Hospital location:
608-263-6190