The Problem With Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids

Hearing loss is a complex subject and requires treatment by a licensed audiologist. You may experience hearing issues and think of buying an over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aid rather than an audiologist-approved device. But you should be aware that OTC devices often aren't the same and come with some inherent risks.

No one is stopping you from purchasing an OTC hearing aid. But it would be best if you considered booking an appointment with an audiologist before you decide. At the least, your audiologist will perform the necessary tests and recommend further treatments.

Inadequate for Severe Hearing Loss

There are numerous levels of associated hearing loss. Mild, moderate and severe. And for each class, there is an appropriate hearing aid available through your audiologist. Unfortunately, the design and quality of OTC hearing aids vary greatly. And the design doesn't accommodate those with severe hearing loss. 

Therefore, you may purchase one thinking you are getting a good deal, only to be met with an inadequate device that offers little or no benefit. Consequently, it is recommended you undergo an audiogram and take the advice of your personal audiologist.

Harmful Sounds Emissions

Like most consumer products, there are different brands and pricing structures of over-the-counter hearing aids. And as such, some are better than others, but you won't know until you purchase the product and try it. Some poor models of OTC hearing aids emit loud and damaging noise when the volume is turned all the way up. 

This is cause for concern with these models since the poorer quality means you need the sound set to maximum to hear anything in the first place. So, turning a device down to get rid of the noise means no hearing.

Poor Volume Control

Further, many OTC models don't have the volume control of audiologist-prescribed models. Auto volume controls prevent sounds from being perceived at too high a level. Additionally, when you have a hearing aid fitted by an audiologist, you will undergo several tests to find the correct listening volume for your ears. 

This isn't possible with OTC hearing aids, and there is no safety control for volume. Therefore, you are likely to turn the volume all the way up on the false assumption it is the best for you. In fact, you could cause more damage to your hearing.

Not Cost-Effective

You might be under the assumption that over-the-counter hearing aids are a cheaper solution to an audiologist's prescription. This is false. OTC hearing aids can be less expensive, the same or more than audiologist recommended and fitted devices. Additionally, the build quality of your OTC device is likely to be inferior to a prescribed device. 

Therefore, it may break, become damaged or stop working after a short period. You will also need to clean an OTC device yourself, possibly causing more damage. An audiologist will properly clean a prescribed device.

Temporary Solution to a Long-Term Issue

Treatment for hearing loss is a life-long experience. Over the years, your hearing will change, and consultation with an audiologist will address all issues as they occur. Unfortunately, over-the-counter hearing devices only serve to provide a short-term solution to a long-term medical problem. 

Wearing an OTC device isn't proactive treatment and could be considered more like putting a bandage over a large wound. You will get some temporary relief, but the problems persist. You can save time, money and a negative experience by seeing an audiologist in the first place.

There's No One-Size-Fits-All

Like OTC devices are a temporary solution to a long-term issue, the nature of hearing loss doesn't fit well with a standard approach. Everyone's hearing loss problems are different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, a proactive and ongoing medical treatment by a licensed audiologist is required. 

Your audiologist will plan treatments around your particular requirements from your specific audiogram tests and results. Further, they will recommend a suitable hearing device that may fit you. Then, configure and test it to work perfectly for your ears.

Could Cause More Damage

The audiologist-recommended and licensed hearing aids are quality, purpose-built devices. They have undergone and passed quality tests and are approved by licensed audiologists. Over-the-counter hearing aids undergo no such examinations and aren't endorsed by industry experts. 

While they are approved by the FDA, many undergo substandard testing. They aren't more than an audio amplifier than a frequency manipulator like a proper hearing aid. Therefore, OTC hearing aids may simply turn up the surrounding volume and play it into your inner ear as an audio amplifier. This is dangerous and will cause more damage rather than help you.

If you have any questions about over-the-counter hearing aids and would prefer information about approved devices, please contact us at Rocky Mountain Hearing & Balance at (801) 685-3456.