Do Over-The-Counter Hearing Aids Work?

over the counter hearing aids
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Hearing loss due to any number of causes (such as exposure to loud noises, genetic predisposition, and some diseases) is fairly common, affecting about 15% of American adults. Hearing loss due to aging, called presbycusis, which develops over years, is even more common, affecting almost a third of people ages 65 to 74, nearly half of people ages 75 to 80, and almost 80% of those older than 80. In the same way that people often require reading glasses after age 40, many older people need a device to augment their hearing. While you can buy reading glasses for a few dollars at any drugstore, buying a hearing aid is not so straightforward.

In a 2015 report, the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology described hearing aid prices as too high and the pace of innovation by manufacturers as "conspicuously slow." Hearing aids can cost thousands of dollars, and that expense is generally not covered by Medicare or health insurance (though here are 6 surprising benefits your health insurance may cover). It's no wonder that people experiencing hearing loss are tempted to save money by purchasing one of the devices widely available over the counter. Some OTC devices come as Bluetooth headsets, while others fit into the ear canal like traditional hearing aids, without the custom fit. The OTC devices may cost as little as $10—though the least expensive are usually the least effective.

MORE: 9 Women Share What It's Like To Lose Your Hearing

Here's what you need to know before purchasing a hearing device: First, federal and state regulations require that hearing aids be provided only by an audiologist, a physician, or another licensed dispenser. Unlike true hearing aids, which are regulated by the FDA as medical devices, OTC devices are classified as "wearable electronic products" and can't be labeled as hearing aids. Instead, they are called "personal sound amplification products" (PSAPs), and manufacturers are barred from claiming that they help with hearing loss. Recent Johns Hopkins research found that PSAPs can work well for people with mild to moderate hearing loss but are not suitable in severe cases.

Before investing in a device, have your hearing evaluated by a professional to rule out other causes of hearing impairment unrelated to age, including blockage of the ear canal by earwax. While PSAPs may be useful for some people, proper hearing aids—prescribed, fitted, and adjusted by a physician or audiologist—are the most effective way to manage age-related hearing loss.

3 Foods For Healthy Hearing 

Sweet potatoes They're rich in beta-carotene, which is linked to a lower risk of hearing loss. (Try these 10 tasty ideas for sweet potatoes.)

Spinach Leafy greens, a great source of iron, may lessen risk of losing your hearing.

Almonds Hearing loss from loud noises may be offset by the magnesium in this nut. (Here are 6 things you should know before you buy almond milk again.)

MORE: 6 Simple Ways To Pretect Your Hearing That You Can't Afford To Skip

Defining Hearing Loss

Hearing levels are measured in decibels: the lower the number, the quieter the sound you can hear.

0-25 dB normal hearing

26-40 dB difficulty understanding someone speaking softly, from far away, or over a noisy background

41-55 dB difficulty hearing regular talking, even at a distance closer than 5 feet

56-90 dB difficulty understanding any conversational speech; may be able to hear only loud talking and strong sounds

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