OTC Hearing Aids

FDA Approves Over-the-Counter (OTC) Hearing Aids

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ruled on August 16, 2022, legalization of ‘Over-the-Counter’ or OTC hearing aids that will take effect within 60 days (estimated mid-October 2022). These products will be available online and in stores to customers without the need of a licensed hearing professional to test or fit the products. What does this mean for you, and how are these products different from hearing aids currently available today?

What does Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Mean?

Over-the-Counter hearing aids are a new class of hearing devices. Different from traditional or prescription hearing aids, these hearing devices do not require a hearing test or licensed hearing professional to fit. Over-the-Counter hearing aids come with general settings with the ability to make small, limited adjustments, typically lumping low and high frequencies. There is also a mandatory volume control. These hearing aids are only designed to assist someone with mild to moderate self-perceived hearing loss.

Benefits of

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

  • Price Tag: Traditional hearing aids are seen as expensive because the cost includes the devices along with the service and expertise of the hearing professional.
  • One Size Fits Most: Over-the-Counter hearing aids are designed for the user to be able to open the box and use the product immediately. This is possible with a generic fit and removal of customizations. Most Over-the-Counter devices come with simple buttons and/or a smartphone app connection for customizations and volume control.
  • Combining Safety and Help: The FDA passed a law limiting the power and output of Over-the-Counter hearing aids for patient safety. These devices are beneficial for patients with mild to moderate self-perceived hearing loss. This means that a patient does not need a hearing test to purchase. Patients still can purchase an Over-the-Counter device after going to a certified hearing professional for a hearing exam.

Limitations of

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids

  • Unknown Hearing Loss or Issues: Much like eyesight, hearing loss comes in a variety of types and pose different challenges. Hearing loss comes in a variety of types including sensorineural, conductive, and mixed hearing loss; each type of hearing loss impacts different frequencies and may require differing treatment methods. The lack of a physical ear examination may lead to other unnoticed potential issues that can show similar hearing loss symptoms such as ear drum damage or simple wax buildup.
  • One Size Fit Most: Over-the-Counter hearing aids are like generic reading glasses. They are one size fits most with limited customization for comfort. These devices may help if you need a mild correction but will not be specifically designed for your exact needs. Your ears are unique and what you might find comfortable may not be comfortable to the next patient.
  • Lack of Service: Over-the-Counter hearing aids come with little to no professional service or assistance. For the most part, it is a do-it-yourself solution. The lack of regular cleanings, verification, and monitoring of your specific hearing loss leaves room for doubt. Is this device truly helping me? How well does this adjustment fit my needs? Is there a bigger issue or wax build up? These questions plus more stay unanswered.

How is it Different from Traditional Prescription Hearing Aids?

Traditional prescription hearing aids are specifically customized for your needs and comfort.  A licensed hearing professional takes you through a series of physical exams and audio tests to understand your specific hearing needs. The hearing professional will help you determine which hearing aids are right for you and your lifestyle. They can adjust the devices frequencies to match your specific hearing loss needs. The hearing aid can be physically molded to your ear for added comfort resulting in the most natural sounding hearing solution possible.

What Services are Included with Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids?

Typically, Over-the-Counter hearing aids are self-fit with no assistance or support from a licensed hearing professional. At Echo Hearing & Audiology, we believe that everyone should experience the joy of hearing. That is why we are offering annual exams and troubleshooting appointments to all hearing aid wearers. Regardless of what manufacturer or where you purchased your hearing aids, we want to help ensure you are hearing to the best of your ability.

What Levels of Hearing Loss are Treatable with Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids?

The FDA limits Over-the-Counter hearing aids to mild-to-moderate self-identified hearing loss only. This is to protect patients from potential harm of over amplification which can result in permanent damage and significant hearing loss. Prescription hearing aids that are fit by a licensed hearing professional can work for all levels of hearing loss from mild to profound.

How will I know what my hearing loss is?

There are several online hearing tests available, and you can try ours here! However, they are not diagnostic medical tests. The only way to determine hearing loss or if you may need hearing aid solutions, is to schedule a hearing exam with a licensed hearing professional. Both an audiogram and a physical examination are required to determine hearing loss. 

Clinically, hearing loss falls into different degrees. Mild, moderate, severe, and profound are some of the most common degrees with variations in between. Your hearing loss degree depends on your ability to hear different pitches (frequencies) at different volumes (decibels dB). Hearing threshold of mild loss is 26-40 dB, moderate is 41-55 dB, severe is 71-90 dB and profound is over 91dB.

No matter what type of hearing aids you choose to try, our hearing aid specialist(s) can help ensure all your hearing healthcare needs are addressed over time as your hearing demands change. The first step would be to call or book your appointment online for a complimentary hearing screening.

Patient Reviews

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Karyn is very knowledgeable. She changed several channels in my hearing aids. Will recommend her to all my friends.

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Daniel Thoma, on Google

After losing his hearing aid, I took my 92-year old Dad, who has severe dementia, in for a hearing test. He’s rather impatient and not a fan of having to wait. Due to her efficient staff, we were in and out in about 45 minutes. Dr Flynn administered a thorough...

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Lyla Damopoulos, on Google

This is a great place Dr Karyn Flynn is amazing! She is professional and personable!! I am so pleased with my hearing aids! It has opened up so many possibilities for me! Thank you again! I recommend this company for any one who wants great service and caring individuals! ♥️

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Marilyn Grover, on Google

Was not impressed with the waiting area not enough seating. Check in very easy not very friendly. Karyn the Audiologist was fantastic made you feel very comfortable and explained everything so you could understand. Would highly recommend her.

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Sue Carter, on Google

Dr. Flynn is the BEST! I've been a patient at Echo Hearing for about 16 years and appreciate the professional and knowledgeable care provided by Dr. Karyn Flynn and Dr. Theresa Shevetz. I highly recommend this Practice! Mary Ellen Mazak

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Andrew Mazak, on Google

My speaker wire broke. Call made an appointment with excellent service. Thank you so much for the quick fast repair.

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Anthony Cantrell, on Google

I’ve been utilizing the products and services at Echo Hearing for over fifteen years now. The quality of their products and the services/maintenance provided is exceptional. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

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Kathleen Riley, on Google

I was very impressed with Echo Hearing Systems. Theresa was excellent work with and I am very excited with my hearing aids. I would and will highly recommend them. Thank you, Jim Goodman

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Jim Goodman, on Google

Theresa the audiologist with Echo Hearing & AUDIOLOGY Powell, was a GOD send for my mother and I. Very professional and informative to my mother and myself, went above and beyond to assist my mother with her difficulties in Hearing. I would be honored to recommend Echo Hearing to all...

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Freddy Dipasquale, on Google

Theresa Sokol was so kind to me! All of the Sokol sisters have wonderful people skills. I highly recommend Echo Hearing to anyone, who needs a “soft touch” with such a delicate need as our hearing. Thank you, Theresa, for excusing my lateness. The gentleness you show your patients is...

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Linda Timberlake, on Google

Super customer service, you probably already know Theresa is a super star audiologist she addressed both technical and hearing problems in my annual as l follow up exam.

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Joe Elliott, on Google

Experiencing hearing loss, Theresa checked my hearing aid and it was ok. Found some wax in my ear and cleaned it out. Task completed quickly and professionally. Highly recommend Echo and Theresa to anyone with hearing issues.

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dave conner, on Google

Very friendly and knowledgeable person, answered all my questions, and put me at ease about wearing hearing aids, I would recommend your service to my friends.

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David Carey, on Google

Dr Teresa is exceptional at making you feel comfortable in the office and very professional about your hearing needs. She does a great job of keeping me informed and answering my questions. I’m glad that she is my audiologist.

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Mark Michaels, on Google

I appreciated the courtesy and professionalism that I experienced on my first appointment at Echo. Dr. Theresa Sokol Shevetz not only performed the exam I needed, but also was able to detect and remove an ear wax buildup, providing me with an immediate benefit. Thank you for a pleasant introduction...

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James Haban, on Google

Very efficient. I am never disappointed with the end result. If I have issues w my hearing aids, I walk out from my appointed satisfied and hearing clearer!

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Sue Dew, on Google

Dr. Flynn did a very nice job of questions and answers, baseline testing 3 ways (Luebbee only did 1 test) and describing the current hearing aid options.

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Tedd Wilcox, on Google

Taylor has been very helpful and patient working with me and the new hearing aids. She answers every question and offers many useful tips. I would recommend her to my friends.

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Larry Henderson, on Google

I made an appointment for a hearing test which was completed today. Tyler was professional and friendly explaining everything as we went along. She provided a detailed description of the results and reviewed next steps. I recommend this facility to anyone needing these kind of services.

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Bill Newby, on Google

1) the scheduler was extremely pleasant and friendly, and very knowledgeable about my preferred Echo location. She even wished me an early birthday. 2) Karen is always extremely helpful and explores every problem solving option to rectify any hearing aid issue I have. She is a joy to talk, and...

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Adelyn Thomas, on Google

It is a very calming and relaxing office. Great to work with and very clear about what to expect.

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Robert Klie, on Google

We want for a consultation/second opinion. Dr Taylor was delightful and explained everything to us very clearly. An extremely positive experience.

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Ian Baird, on Google

I have been going there for a few years. The people there are knowledgeable and friendly. They let me know that my hearing aids are still under warranty for another year The testing shows my hearing has only changed a little bit. Some suggestions were made and I was satisfied...

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Al Clapsaddle, on Google

I had an excellent experience at Echo Hearing today. The testing didn’t take very long, and Dr. Taylor explained the results clearly. She gave me her recommendation and answered my questions about hygiene. I’m well pleased.

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Lois McAdoo, on Google

Some of the best customer service I have received in any business anywhere. I was able to get a somewhat last minute appointment, was seen a bit early, and my issues were solved that had not been at two other hearing aid businesses all while I felt truly listened to,...

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Bialek Family, on Google