What are the Pros and Cons Between Each Option of Acquiring Hearing Aids: Over-the-Counter (OTC), Tele-Hearing, and Professional Care?

Over-the-Counter (OTC):

PROs- Least expensive due to the “do it yourself” nature of the product – ideal for mild loss that is not ready for prescription hearing aids. 

CONs- FDA will not officially rule on OTC regulations until September of 2022 so right now there are no consumer protections set in place, despite many of the product advertising claims. There are some companies that have devices that can do a decent job of helping with mild loss but for now this category is a definite BUYER BEWARE.

Tele-Hearing Care: 

PROs– Professional consulting via tele-health in home and remote programing through smartphone technology. The expense is significantly cheaper due to cutting brick-and-mortar and personnel costs.

CONs- Limited visual inspection of ear canal and hearing instrument. Cleaning and maintenance is the consumer’s responsibility. No hearing aid verification capability. Ongoing testing and reprogramming is limited and based on customer request. Limited to consumers with mild to moderate hearing loss.

Professional Care:

PROs – Personal inspection of the condition of ear canal and ear drum. Hearing is tested with calibrated equipment and hearing aid verification testing with in-person counseling on realistic expectations. Custom mold capability. Able to fit patients with mild to profound hearing loss. Tele-hearing care (remote care) available. Prescheduled maintenance and cleaning of devices and ongoing testing and re-programming.

CONs – More expensive due to the cost of brick-and-mortar locations and overhead expenses. Quality of care is inconsistent based on how the provider runs their practice.