Over The Counter Devices

The hearing device market can be confusing – there are so many choices! Over-the-counter-devices are appropriate for some individuals, but not all. Last year, President Biden gave an executive order that low-cost hearing aids must be made available over the counter (OTC) without the need for a prescription from an audiologist or hearing specialist. It is our hope that this order makes it possible for more people to start treating their hearing loss earlier.

In February the Jabra Enhance Plus hearing devices were released. These devices fall into the over-the-counter category, but are available at our office. These are self-fitting devices that look like a traditional earbud and are Bluetooth compatible. This may be a good option for those individuals who have a mild hearing loss and want a boost in hearing only in certain situations.

Prescription hearing aids are in a class all their own. These are FDA medically prescribed devices. After we conduct a hearing assessment, we will program your hearing aids based on the results. We will go through care and maintenance, as well as fit your hearing aids for you. In this approach, it’s much more extensive, and the outcomes are great.

With the advent of over-the-counter devices, the biggest challenge is that advertising messages could lead you to believe that amplification is the solution to a hearing loss.

At Family Hearing Care we know that the most important step is partnering with the right hearing care professionals.

Just like a racing car cannot win a race without a great driver, wearing hearing aids without the support, guidance and a professional level of care will result in not achieving the result that you’re looking for.

Family Hearing Care is dedicated to helping you achieve better hearing through a methodical combination of cutting-edge technology and personalized care.

How Do I Know Which Device Is Right For Me?

If you have recently noticed a change in your hearing, then the next step is to schedule a hearing assessment with one of our experts.

Whether you have a mild or severe hearing loss, our experts can comprehensively test your hearing and point you in the right direction.

Over-the-counter hearing devices are not a good option for the following patients:

• Those whose hearing changed suddenly

• Those with ringing, roaring, or noise in one or both ears

• Those with a history of taking medication that causes hearing loss

• Those with a history of chemotherapy and/or radiation to the head or neck

• Those with a history of drainage from one or both ears

• Those with ear pain or discomfort

• Those with dizziness

• Those with a history of ear or head trauma