OVER-THE-COUNTER HEARING DEVICES ARE NOT EQUIVALENT TO TRADITIONAL HEARING AIDS
New research shows that even slight hearing loss can negatively affect your health and has been associated with cognitive issues, mental health, and even more frequent accidents and falls.
In spite of this, many people ignore their hearing loss and avoid getting treatment such as hearing aids. We often hear that hearing aids are just too expensive.
We get it. It is an investment. That’s why at Geneva Hearing Services, we try to help patients afford the right hearing loss treatments for their individual needs.
Luckily, breakthrough innovations, improved legislation, and insurance updates have made hearing aids more affordable than ever.
One development is that lower-cost devices, including over-the-counter amplifiers, are now available in many pharmacies.
But buyer beware: Just because you can get a device over the counter, doesn’t mean you should attempt to treat your hearing loss on your own. Treating hearing loss is a science and starts with determining which frequencies you’re having trouble hearing.
Understanding speech, for example, relies on the clarity of sound which is influenced by the way it fits, what settings you use and whether it’s strong enough to treat your hearing loss. That’s why the first step should always be a hearing test.
Don't wait!
Early treatment is the most effective treatment.
Talk to the experts. Call or text us.
WHY DO I NEED A HEARING TEST TO TREAT HEARING LOSS?
Over-the-counter hearing aids are not strong enough to treat some types of hearing loss. So to truly hear clearly again, you need to start the entire process with a hearing test. This will make sure you’re purchasing the right device for your type of hearing loss, and will help get the right “fit”. Hearing aids, and even some over-the-counter devices, can be programmed to your specific hearing loss. But unless you know which frequencies you’re having difficulty hearing, you can’t take advantage of this function.
Why wait? You don’t have to live with hearing loss.
Why Wait? You don’t have to live with hearing loss.
VOLUME ISN’T THE ONLY VARIABLE
- If you increase the volume indiscriminately across all frequencies, it’ll be painful in the frequencies you don’t have hearing loss. In fact, you risk damaging your hearing even more.
- If it’s painful or even just uncomfortable, you may stop wearing it, and that would be both a waste of money and would mean you’re not treating your hearing loss.
- Some consonants and vowels are spoken at different frequencies. In order to make out speech, you need to hear all frequencies at the same volume. So if your device isn’t programmed correctly, you still won’t hear the conversation well.
Why wait? You don’t have to live with hearing loss.
Why Wait? You don’t have to live with hearing loss.
PART OF HEARING IS BLOCKING OUT BACKGROUND NOISE
Hearing Aids also have other features you can’t find in over-the-counter devices. Modern hearing aids use artificial intelligence to help you block out background noise to focus better on voices. They can also include features to treat tinnitus, sync with your phone or TV, and some have advanced features such as translation or health-tracking features.
Are Over-the-Counter Hearing Devices Right for You? Speak with a Specialist to Learn More.
Questions?
Talk to the experts.
“CHEAP HEARING AIDS” VS TRADITIONAL HEARING AIDS
Some studies indicate that getting proper treatment helps to restore mental acuity and improve mental health. It pays to get a hearing test and make sure your treatment is appropriate to your needs.
OVER-THE-COUNTER HEARING DEVICES: FAQs
How will I know if OTC hearing aids will work for me?
The best way to know if OTC hearing aids will work for you is to see an audiologist for a comprehensive hearing evaluation. This evaluation will show you the degree of hearing loss and the part of the ear—outer, middle, or inner—that is causing your hearing loss. This information, taken together, will help you decide whether an OTC hearing aid is your best choice or if your needs would be better addressed by a prescription hearing aid.
Important Note: OTC hearing aids are purchased based on your own judgment. OTC hearing aids will only work for you if your loss is mild to moderate. It is easy to overestimate or underestimate your hearing difficulty. The most accurate diagnosis is made by an audiologist.
Who can wear OTC hearing aids?
OTC hearing aids will work if you have a mild to moderate hearing loss. They are not effective for a moderate to severe degree of hearing loss. You must be 18 years or older to wear OTC hearing aids. Children should never wear them.
You must consult a medical provider before buying an OTC hearing aid if you have any of the following medical conditions:
• ear deformity
• fluid, pus, or blood coming from the ear
• hearing loss or ringing (tinnitus) that occurs in only one ear or that is noticeably different in one ear
• pain or discomfort in the ear
• history of excessive earwax or feeling that something is in the ear
• pain or discomfort in the ear
• sudden, quickly worsening, or fluctuating hearing loss
•Vertigo or severe dizziness
Note: Individuals with cognitive or dexterity issues may not be suitable candidates for OTC hearing aids and should seek a consultation with an audiologist for hearing loss management.
Who can help me pick an OTC hearing aid?
Many places may sell OTC hearing aids: your local pharmacy, big-box stores such as Walmart, or online providers. You will make the decision about what you buy, just like any other item on the shelf. You may be able to ask store staff for help; however, these staff members likely do not have specialized training in hearing loss and hearing technology programming. It is important to read all information on the box before buying a device. You may not be able to return the hearing aids once you buy them.
Audiologists have extensive training in ear, hearing, and balance disorders and have either a doctoral or master’s degree. They can explain your hearing loss and help you consider the hearing aid that is best for you. Some audiologists will help you with basic maintenance of your OTC hearing aid for a service fee.
Why should I see an audiologist even if I choose an OTC hearing aid?
An audiologist is the expert in hearing health care—–they can help you find a device and supply tips for you and your individual hearing needs. They will also be able to check your hearing over time to see if it remains stable or worsens. Regular check-ins are important: they reveal whether your chosen hearing aid (OTC or prescription) is providing enough sound to meet your hearing needs—– or whether you and your audiologist should discuss other options. The common goal between you as the patient and the audiologist as the provider is to help you create a plan and a path toward improved hearing.
Are Over-the-Counter Hearing Devices Right for You? Call or text us to make an appointment and try the over the counter hearing devices we offer in our office.
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