Are Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids Worth It?
Hearing issues are pretty common. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, nearly 2.5 billion people will have some degree of hearing loss. Hearing difficulties, even mild ones, can make conversations with friends and family harder. You might miss pleasant sounds, like birds chirping or ocean waves. It can also affect your ability to hear important emergency alarms.
If you’re considering hearing aids, you might have heard of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. These can be a good option for people with mild to moderate hearing loss who are comfortable adjusting their hearing aids themselves and are looking to save money. Most OTC hearing aids are under $1,500 per pair, whereas prescription hearing aids can cost $5,000 and up.
Key Takeaways
Over-the-counter hearing aids can be significantly less expensive than prescription hearing aids.
For people with mild to moderate hearing loss who are comfortable adjusting their own hearing aids, over-the-counter hearing aids can be a good option.
Seeing a doctor is recommended if you have severe or profound hearing loss or if you are experiencing other symptoms, such as pain or dizziness.
Who should use OTC hearing aids?
OTC hearing aids were designed to help people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. You may have mild-to-moderate hearing loss if:
You have trouble understanding conversations in groups, with background noise, or when you can’t see who is talking.
You have trouble hearing the other person on the telephone.
You need to turn up the volume of the television or radio loud enough for others to complain.
Your friends or family complain that you don’t understand what they said or ask them to repeat themselves often.
If your symptoms go beyond the ones described above—for example, if you struggle to hear in a quiet environment—it would be wise to speak with a hearing care professional. Learn more about how Medicare coverage for hearing aids works here.
Are Over-the-counter hearing aids worth it?
Whether OTC hearing aids are right for you depends on your specific needs and situation. OTC hearing aids might be a good fit for you if:
You have mild to moderate hearing loss
You feel comfortable adjusting the hearing aid on your own, which often involves using an app on your phone
You’re looking for a more affordable option
You prefer the convenience of shopping for a hearing aid in-store or online without needing to visit a doctor
In some situations, OTC hearing aids might not be a good fit, and it might be better for you to see an audiologist or an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. These include:
You have severe or profound hearing loss
Your hearing has changed suddenly over the last 6 months
You’re experiencing other symptoms, like dizziness or pain
You have ringing in the ears (tinnitus) that is constant or getting worse
One ear has worse hearing than the other
You feel uncomfortable adjusting your hearing aids yourself
You prefer hearing aids that are more customized to you
Best over-the-counter hearing aids
Choosing a hearing aid that is comfortable and fits your lifestyle is important. Many OTC hearing aids offer a trial period or have a return policy to give you a chance to test out the hearing aids.
Jabra Enhance Select 300
The Jabra Enhance Select 300 OTC hearing aid is a popular option because its technology helps to reduce background noise and offers good audio quality. These hearing aids also connect to your iPhone to make it easy to make calls.
Audien Atom Pro 2
At under $300 per pair, the Audien Atom Pro 2 hearing aids are a good budget-friendly choice. They have a small, comfortable size, and the built-in UV cleaning makes sanitizing convenient.
Eargo 8
Because they have an in-the-ear rather than behind-the-ear design, Eargo 8 hearing aids are a discreet option. They’re also incredibly customizable and adapt to different sound situations to make it easy to hear what’s going on.
Sony CRE-C20
The Sony CRE-C20 hearing aids come with an app for easy adjustments. Many users say they help make speech clearer, even in noisy environments. They also have a long battery life and are water- and dust-resistant.
Lexie B2 Plus
Lexie B2 Plus hearing aids are powered by Bose for clear sound. They also have Bluetooth call streaming for both iOS and Android. Lexie also provides expert support, which can be helpful for those who are unsure about adjusting their own hearing aids.
Do I need to see a doctor before getting a hearing aid?
While you don’t need to see a doctor before getting a hearing aid, it's a good idea if you are experiencing additional symptoms like pain, dizziness, or ringing in the ears.
It can also be a good idea to get a hearing test before shopping for OTC hearing aids. This will check that your hearing loss is at a mild to moderate level and that OTC hearing aids will be helpful for you. Some OTC hearing aid brands offer online hearing tests, or you can get a professional hearing test done with an audiologist.
Things to consider before purchasing OTC hearing aids
When shopping for a pair of OTC hearing aids, Uncle Sam recommends asking the following questions:
Is there a free trial period, or money-back return policy? Many companies are offering 100-day trials to give you a little more peace-of-mind around the purchase.
Does it need a smartphone, app, or computer to install, operate, and customize to my needs?
Is it compatible with cell phones, or smartphones?
Does it have connectivity via Bluetooth or telecoil to a smartphone, computer, or listening system?
Can the hearing aid’s amplification be adjusted? How do you control feedback?
Is it water/sweat resistant?
How does it control, reduce, or block out background or wind noise?
How long is the battery life? Can it be recharged?
Where to buy over-the-counter hearing aids
You can buy OTC hearing aids:
Online, such as through Amazon, Best Buy, or manufacturers’ websites
Big box stores, such as Costco and Walmart
Pharmacies, such as Walgreens or CVS
Home health care stores or hearing clinics
Does Medicare cover over-the-counter hearing aids?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids. However, some Medicare Advantage plans partially or fully cover the cost of OTC hearing aids. Review your plan details to check. Some people also buy standalone hearing insurance plans for extra coverage.
Bottom line
Over-the-counter hearing aids can be an affordable option for people who have mild to moderate hearing loss. But, if you have more severe hearing loss or other symptoms, it’s best to visit a doctor. OTC hearing aids also need to be self-adjusted, often using an app. Some people feel comfortable doing this, while others prefer to see an audiologist for professional hearing aids that are adjusted and fitted for them.