You can buy over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids without a prescription if you are 18 or older and have mild to moderate hearing loss. The FDA created the category in October 2022 to improve accessibility, and you can buy these devices in a store or online.
Do over-the-counter hearing aids work?
They work for adults whose hearing loss is mild to moderate and about the same in both ears. The FDA lists these signs of that level of loss:
- Trouble hearing speech in noisy places
- Trouble following conversations in a group
- Trouble hearing on the phone
- Feeling tired after listening
- A TV or radio turned up louder than others like
Individuals with severe or profound hearing loss need a prescription aid. Children and teens under 18 need one too, and a child with hearing trouble needs a doctor, preferably an ear, nose and throat doctor. An audiologist fits and programs prescription aids.
See a doctor before you buy hearing aids if you have ear pain, fluid or blood coming from the ear, a sudden change in hearing, dizziness, hearing that is worse in one ear, or ringing in only one ear.
Over-the-counter vs prescription hearing aids
The main difference is who sets the aid up. You fit an OTC aid yourself with the instructions and a phone app. A licensed hearing professional programs a prescription aid to your hearing test results.
| OTC hearing aids | Prescription hearing aids | |
|---|---|---|
| Who they are for | Adults 18 and older with mild to moderate hearing loss | Every level of hearing loss and every age |
| Who fits them | You, with the instructions and an app | A licensed hearing professional, programmed to your results |
| Follow-up care | Varies by seller | Often part of the price |
A hearing test shows your level of loss, whether it is about the same in both ears, and whether a medical issue needs attention first.
Features and technology
OTC aids come in two kinds. Basic models have volume control and preset programs, and self-fitting models add an app for adjustments. Either kind can connect to a phone. OTC feature lists vary by model, so check the box for the battery type. For example, some self-fitting aids need a phone app, so confirm it works with yours.
An audiologist programs prescription aids based on your hearing test results. Hearing aids we fit at Ontario Hearing Center offer:
- Bluetooth connection to your phone
- Rechargeable batteries
- Background noise reduction
- Tinnitus support
We fit aids from Oticon, Widex, Unitron, ReSound, Phonak, and Starkey.
We program each device to your results and check it with real-ear measurement.
Disadvantages of over-the-counter hearing aids
OTC aids have limited power, and no hearing test or professional fitting is required to buy one.
OTC aids are built for mild to moderate hearing loss, so their maximum volume is limited. If your loss is bigger than you think, the aid can fall short.
You can buy an OTC aid without a hearing test, so you can end up with one without knowing your level of loss. At our office, a hearing test with an audiologist shows the type and degree of your loss, and we fit prescription aids to those results.
You also set up an OTC aid yourself, with an app and instructions. Prescription aids offer more customization, and a professional checks the fit and the settings. Our audiologists include real-ear measurement in the fitting. With real ear measurement, we can adjust the aid to your ear instead of relying on the manufacturer’s preset.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy a hearing aid without a prescription?
Yes, if you are 18 or older and have mild to moderate hearing loss. OTC hearing aids are sold in stores and online without a prescription, an exam, or a fitting by an audiologist. Anyone under 18, and anyone with severe or profound hearing loss needs a prescription aid from a licensed hearing professional.
Are OTC hearing aids effective?
They help adults whose hearing loss is mild to moderate. They fall short for a bigger loss because their maximum volume is limited. A hearing test shows which group you are in.
How do OTC hearing aids compare to prescription ones?
You fit an OTC aid yourself. A licensed hearing professional or audiologist programs a prescription aid to your hearing test results, and follow-up care is often part of the price
Are OTC hearing aids covered by insurance?
Original Medicare does not cover hearing aids, OTC, or prescription. Some Medicare Advantage plans do, and coverage varies, so ask your plan whether it covers OTC aids. You can pay for either kind with HSA or FSA funds.
Should I get a hearing test before buying an OTC hearing aid?
The FDA does not require one. A test is the way to find out your level of loss, whether it is about the same in both ears, and whether a medical issue needs attention first. In Rochester, you do not need a referral for a hearing test unless Medicare is your primary insurance. Almost all insurance plans cover testing, minus a possible co-pay, so check with your insurer.
Book an appointment
When you come to Ontario Hearing Center, we start with a hearing test and go over the results with you. If you choose a prescription aid, we fit it to those results.
Our office is at 2210 Monroe Avenue, Rochester, NY 14618. Call (585) 442-4180 or book online to schedule.