Common Myths About OTC Hearing Aids

Myth: Hearing Aids are Only for Older People

Although the ability to hear declines as we age, that doesn’t mean that younger people can’t also have hearing loss. Younger individuals may experience hearing loss of various causes such as loud environments, infections, or pre-existing genetic conditions. Hearing aids are designed to help individuals with hearing loss regardless of their age. Early intervention Using hearing aids can improve communication and quality of life, and it’s beneficial to address hearing loss as soon as it’s noticed or diagnosed, regardless of age.

Myth: You Can Only Pursue Hearing Aids from an Audiologist

Up until 2022, the only way to pursue hearing aids would have been through an audiologist. Today, this is no longer the case! In 2022, the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) created a new category of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids. For people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss, OTC hearing aids are now an option that do not require a visit with an audiologist. OTC hearing aids are available for purchase online and through some major retailers. Most OTC hearing aid brands also offer return periods so that the user has time to see if the product works for them.

With OTC hearing aids, you have more flexibility and can purchase these devices directly from retailers or online without needing a prescription. This new category established by the FDA aims to make hearing aids more accessible and affordable. OTC hearing aids provide an option for those who might not need prescription hearing aids for their hearing loss. For people with more complex hearing loss or additional needs, consulting with an audiologist or hearing care professional can be beneficial.

Myth: You Only Need Hearing Aids if Your Hearing Loss is Classified as Severe

You might think you only need hearing aids if you have severe hearing loss, but this isn’t always the case! Hearing aids are used to treat mild-to-moderate hearing loss, as well. If you have mild-to-moderate hearing loss, you might find that an OTC hearing aid helps you hear clearly. If an OTC doesn’t provide enough benefit, a prescription hearing aid could help you depending on your individual needs.

Many people with mild-to-moderate hearing loss find that hearing aids significantly improve their ability to hear and understand conversations. OTC hearing aids can be a great option for those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss who want a more accessible and cost-effective solution.

Myth: Hearing Aids Only Amplify Sound

Hearing aids do not simply make sounds louder for the user. Modern hearing aids process sound in various ways to improve sound quality for the listener. Hearing aids, including some OTCs, can be tailored to the individual’s unique hearing needs. For instance, many OTCs have presets or sound profiles that are meant to help those with mild-to-moderate hearing loss. Hearing aids are equipped with more settings than just volume and are able to program the complex needs of the user.

Some hearing aids are equipped with directional microphones to help focus on sounds coming from specific directions. The directional microphones help isolate speech while reducing background noise. This feature helps you hear important sounds and speech in noisy situations.

Finally, many hearing aids also include Bluetooth streaming for devices such as smartphones, televisions, and tablets. This feature allows the user to stream audio directly to their hearing aids when doing activities like listening to music, taking a phone call, or watching television.

Conclusion

There are many preconceived ideas of hearing aids and hearing loss. It is important to do your research before deciding on the best course of action for you or a loved one with hearing loss. This list of common myths is intended to help you learn more about the realities of hearing loss and hearing aids so you can make the best decision for your personal health and well-being. If you think an OTC hearing aid could benefit you, learn more about Concha Sol™ Hearing Aids by Concha Labs or try out Soundscope® to see if Concha Sol hearing aids could work for you.