Hearing aids – especially for Seniors and the elderly are pretty expensive.
It is thus no wonder that over-the-counter options are sought (over more traditional options).
However, for the elderly population, their families and importantly, caregivers, an issue arises: can hearing aids be bought over the counter?
Today, this is our task here at Best For Seniors Online.
However, we will not only be handling the issue of whether or not hearing aids can be bought over the counter.
We will also treat other related issues to this topic in neat sub-topics so as to ensure that the issue is comprehensively and intelligently covered.
It is our grand aim that after going through this entry, you will have no doubt as to the definite answer to the query above.
Shall we begin?
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What Are Hearing Aids?
Hearing aids, generally, are small plugs that are usually self-powered and inserted in either an ear or both ears to make hearing better and easier.
Usually, this task is handled by an audiologist certified by ASHA (holding the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology, or CCC-A).
Typically, hearing aids are sold only after the audiologist contacted for professional assistance evaluates or assesses your condition.
This gives him or her an insight as to what you truly need in order to perfectly hear again.
In the course of this assessment, many things are factored and considered; not only the state of your hearing or the damage your auditory canal has undergone.
Such considerations include the type of the hearing aid, whether or not a discrete model is preferred and many (other) options.
Some of these options could include custom sizes for a better or more comfortable fit
How Do Hearing Aids Differ From Over The Counter Hearing Options?
From the above, it is clear that generally, a prescription is required before one can opt for a hearing aid.
However, like drugs, this is not always the case.
In 2017, Congress passed the Over the Counter Hearing Aid Act – which makes provision for hearing aids to be easily accessible over the counter and without the express prescription of a medical doctor or the hefty fees of the audiologist.
The cardinal difference between an ordinary hearing aid and an over-the-counter hearing amplifier is that the former needs a prescription and can only be offered by a certified audiologist while the latter can easily be bought over the counter and consequently, does not need any prescription to either buy or use.
So, how do you buy hearing aids, over the counter say online?
How To Buy Hearing Aids Online
Having clearly explained what a hearing aid is – and having distinguished same from their over-the-counter cousins, it is important to see if hearing aids, especially, the over the counter variants can be bought online.
The answer to this query is a huge ‘YES’: over-the-counter hearing aids can be easily bought online, especially at established online stores/marketplaces such as Amazon.
However, if you would rather prefer direct guidance, here is an impressive list of the best over-the-counter hearing aids for Seniors and the elderly at the moment.
It is important to note that all the options mentioned in that resource are Senior friendly and importantly, can be easily obtained online.
You are thus sure to get one that suits both your budget and taste there.
Smart FAQs
To summarize this article and make it super easy to digest, here are some smart FAQs, summarized in the smartest and most brilliant of manners.
Do You Need A Prescription For A Hearing Aid?
For a standard hearing aid, you do.
However, there are a special variety of hearing amplifiers called over-the-counter hearing aids.
For this variant, you do not need any prescription to buy the option(s) that will serve you both in the short and long run.
Can You Buy Hearing Aids Over The Counter?
The short answer to this is a big “YES”.
For details, kindly refer to the earlier paragraphs of this article.
What Are The Prices (Or Price Range) For Hearing Aids?
Usually, traditional hearing aids cost well over a thousand Dollars with some options costing as high as $5,000 or more.
However, over-the-counter options are much cheaper (this does not mean, inferior in any way however).
For this variant, you can easily get an option for about $50.
However, there are some high-end models that cost north of $1,000.
However, it is safe to conclude that hearing aids that can be bought over the counter range in price from $50 – $1,000, depending on the model and what you’re looking out for.
Best Hearing Aid Brands
Generally, all OTC hearing amplifiers are usually above average, quality-wise.
However, if this is your first time considering them and you’re scared you may get an option that will fail to serve in the long run, here are 4 brands to look up to.
These options will certainly not fail you.
They are:
- Britzgo.
- Otofonix.
- New Ear.
- Life Ear.
Now, it’s time to wrap up 🙂
Wrap Up
There is little difference between over-the-counter hearing amplifiers and options that are recommended specifically by an audiologist.
The prevailing difference, however, it is very important that you should note, lies primarily in the cost/price difference.
However, it is also very important to note that, OTC hearing amplifiers are awesome for mild to average hearing loss.
In the sad event of acute or extreme hearing loss, it is advisable to get a professional medical opinion before opting for hearing assistance.
This way, you may be able to receive treatment for your ear condition – instead of relying on aids all the time.
Till our very next article 🙂
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P.S.
You may be interested in reading the text of the Over the Counter Hearing Aid Act of 2017.
If this is you, then, by all means, we’ll help you achieve your set goal.
Kindly proceed by reading the text directly on the Congress website.
See you soon 🙂