Now, there is a solution.
As of October 2022, over the counter (OTC) hearing devices are available for those with mild to moderate hearing loss. While a hearing test or visit to a hearing loss professional is not required, it is strongly recommended individuals see a licensed audiologist or access a free online screening tool to establish a baseline understanding of their hearing loss.
“Seeing an audiologist for a hearing test is important because, depending on the reason for hearing loss and the amount of hearing loss, we can recommend solutions that would be appropriate for you as well as potentially identify causes of the hearing loss that might need further medical intervention,” Regina Presley, Au.D, FAAA, CCC/A, Director of Audiology at the Presbyterian Board of Governors Cochlear Implant Center at GBMC, said. “Additionally, if you don’t have a baseline understanding of the severity of your hearing loss, it might be difficult to assess whether or not the OTC hearing device is an appropriate option for you.”
Unfortunately, it can take 7 to10 years on average for people to take action to address their declining hearing. There are many reasons why people delay care—they don’t have access to quality care, they feel they can get by without intervention, or solutions are cost prohibitive. But the impact of leaving hearing loss untreated can be severe.
Those with untreated hearing loss are at increased risk for falls, depression, Emergency Department visits and hospitalization, social isolation, anxiety, and cognitive decline. Hearing loss can have a negative impact on relationships, workplace performance, or even force early retirement. It can be a safety issue or reduce enjoyment of music, phone conversations, and socialization. Additionally, those with untreated hearing loss have been shown to have a 46% increase in healthcare costs over a 10-year period. People who do not treat their hearing loss are also two to five times more likely to experience cognitive decline, depending on the degree of hearing loss.
“For people who can’t afford a hearing aid, OTC devices give them access to technology they wouldn’t have had before. This access encourages awareness of the importance of healthy hearing and provides needed education on the importance of good ear health,” Dr. Presley said. “These devices bring hearing assistance to people much sooner and, as a result, their health outcomes will be better, hearing loss impacts will be reduced, and their quality of life will be improved. This has a positive effect for individuals as well as our healthcare systems.”
OTC devices run approximately $300 to $600 per ear and not all are created equal. Red flags that an OTC device might not be the right choice for you include:
- Pain in your ears
- Drainage from your ears
- Ringing (tinnitus) from one ear
- Fullness or pressure in your ear
- Sudden onset of hearing loss (seek medical intervention immediately)
- Dizziness
- Concerns regarding wax accumulation
If you have one or more of the symptoms above, medical intervention is highly recommended and scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician, an audiologist, or Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) provider should be your next step.
