And you wont need a prescription.
This market has been innovative but hasnt had this kind of competition before.
Pharmacies and other retailers began to stock OTC hearing aids in mid-October.
Premium aids can cost as much as $6,000 per ear.
What is the price that consumers are willing to pay?
He predicted that prices would drop, perhaps to the cost of wireless earbuds.
3 types of hearing aids
1.
Behind-the-ear (BTE) models.The gadget tucks in behind your ear.
These dont fit tightly in your ear, so natural sound can also enter.
Traditionally, these devices larger size means more power and more features than smaller hearing aids can deliver.
In-the-ear and invisible in-the-ear-canal models.These small hearing aids are more difficult to see a cosmetic advantage.
Completely in-the-canal models may be best for mild hearing loss.
Their small size has traditionally meant less power and fewer features, Reed and Lin note in their book.
But that could change with competition driving innovations in the months and years ahead.
Your questions, answered!
Here is some advice to help you get started.
How do I know if an OTC hearing aid is right for me?
A. OTC hearing aids can help if you havemild to moderate hearing loss.
For severe or profound hearing loss, youll need to see an audiologist or another hearing professional.
Or you may have difficulty understanding what people say if you cant see their lips moving.
