When you first realize that you’re dealing with a hearing loss, it can be stressful and a little confusing to try and figure out what treatment would be best for your needs. Will you need hearing aids? How expensive are they? How difficult to work with will they be?

Thankfully, there are so many options for hearing aids out there now that you might be overwhelmed with choice. One of the most common options is to get your hearing aids over the counter (OTC) from a big-box store or even online.

Legality surrounding OTC hearing aids was finalized by the FDA in 2022, and we for one are big advocates for these quick and easy devices. We see them as a great introduction to hearing care before you look for a more permanent, professional solution with prescription hearing aid technology.

We believe that OTC hearing aids can work for people who meet certain criteria.

1. You have a mild hearing loss challenge.

OTC hearing aids are well designed for beginners to hearing care; they have very few features to fiddle with, easy programming, and basic sound amplification.

If you take a hearing test at home and find that you’re dealing with a mild hearing loss challenge, then OTC devices could be a perfect fit for your needs.

2. OTC devices are easy to buy and try.

You can find OTC hearing aids in a lot of different places these days; many of these locations, including online, provide long return windows too. You can easily try a pair of OTC hearing aids for a lower price point and if you’re not satisfied, return them for a refund.

3. You’re tech-savvy.

Hearing aids are intricate things—we only recommend OTC devices to those who feel comfortable with doing their own tech support.

If you’re capable of giving yourself an at-home hearing test and programming your OTC hearing aids on your own, they could be a great choice for your needs.

4. You like to do things yourself.

With OTC hearing aids, you don’t have to see a doctor or make an appointment—if you order your devices online, you don’t even have to leave the house!

Over-the-Counter or Prescription Devices?

If you see any of the above signs in yourself, OTC devices could be a great fit for your hearing loss needs. We see them as a good option for those looking for the training wheels to help them come to the decision of looking into prescription devices.

Prescription hearing aids are programmed to your unique hearing needs by a professional audiologist, and are often more high-tech and fiddly, requiring an expert’s touch. They’re also a better, stronger option for those with moderate to severe hearing loss.