{"id":102,"date":"2022-12-01T04:44:00","date_gmt":"2022-12-01T04:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/scaadvisorsprd.wpenginepowered.com\/central-virginia\/2022\/12\/01\/over-the-counter-hearing-aids-a-potential-game-changer-for-millions\/"},"modified":"2022-12-01T04:44:00","modified_gmt":"2022-12-01T04:44:00","slug":"over-the-counter-hearing-aids-a-potential-game-changer-for-millions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/scaadvisorsprd.wpenginepowered.com\/central-virginia\/2022\/12\/01\/over-the-counter-hearing-aids-a-potential-game-changer-for-millions\/","title":{"rendered":"Over the Counter Hearing Aids a Potential Game-Changer for Millions"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"entry\" itemprop=\"articleBody\">\n<p>Big news arrived this week that can potentially affect millions of older adults.\u00a0 If you or someone you know suffers from mild to moderate hearing loss, hearing aids can now be purchased over the counter without a prescription or medical exam.\u00a0 Regulators are hoping that this change, approved by the Food &amp; Drug Administration, will allow broader access and more affordable options.\u00a0 A federal study found that while nearly 29 million Americans could benefit from a hearing aid, only 20 percent of those with hearing loss use hearing aids, primarily due to cost.<\/p>\n<h2>Cost Reduction of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids<\/h2>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 With this new over-the-counter option, it is expected that hearing aid costs will drop dramatically.\u00a0 Until recently, including the cost of the exam and fitting, some hearing aids cost well over $5000, and often was not covered by insurance.\u00a0 Under the new plan, device costs are expected to range from $250-$1000.\u00a0 Richmond area retailers that will be selling devices include CVS, Walgreens, and Best Buy.<\/p>\n<h2>Who Should Use Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids?<\/h2>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Over the counter hearing devices are not intended for children, or for adults who suffer from severe hearing loss.\u00a0 Consumers are urged to get a hearing test prior to purchasing a device.\u00a0 For people who are unable or unwilling to get an in-person hearing test, there are self-hearing tests online or through an app.\u00a0 Two of the most popular apps that offer free testing are hearWHO, created by the World Health Organization, and the Mimi Hearing Test, which gives results in about 6 minutes.<\/p>\n<h2>Researching Hearing Aid Options and Policies<\/h2>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Finally, before buying a hearing device, it is important to thoroughly research the device options, &amp; to understand the return policy from the seller in the event the device is not effective.\u00a0 Also, make sure to check the warranty information before you buy.<\/p>\n<h2>The Impact of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids<\/h2>\n<p>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 This is new territory for people to treat themselves for hearing loss, but many people believe that this change will be a huge benefit to countless Americans.\u00a0 One person equated it to when reading glasses became available without a prescription or exam required.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"key-takeaways\">\n<h2>Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Over-the-counter hearing aids can significantly reduce costs for consumers.<\/li>\n<li>These devices are designed for adults with mild to moderate hearing loss, not for children or those with severe loss.<\/li>\n<li>Always get a hearing test before purchasing to ensure suitability.<\/li>\n<li>Thoroughly research different device options and understand return policies.<\/li>\n<li>This change is seen as a major advancement in accessible hearing care for older adults.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Big news arrived this week that can potentially affect millions of older adults.\u00a0 If you or someone you know suffers from mild to moderate hearing loss, hearing aids can now be purchased over the counter without a prescription or medical exam.\u00a0 Regulators are hoping that this change, approved by the Food &amp; Drug Administration, will [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-102","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - 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