The Pros and Cons of Over-the-Counter vs. Prescription Hearing Aids

Keeping your hearing healthy is as important as regular dental and eye check-ups. When it comes to hearing aids, there are two different categories: over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription devices. OTC hearing aids offer easy accessibility without the need for a formal prescription, providing a straightforward solution for those seeking assistance. However, they do not offer the same tailored support and performance as prescription options.

Prescription hearing aids, recommended by a qualified audiologist, are customized to your unique hearing needs, ensuring optimal results. While the process may require more time and professional guidance, the benefits in terms of enhanced performance and long-term value can be substantial. Regardless of your choice, incorporating hearing aids into your daily activities can significantly improve your communication, connection and overall quality of life.

What Are the Benefits of Hearing Aids?

Hearing aids are essential in effectively treating hearing loss, greatly impacting one’s quality of life. By amplifying and clarifying sound, they enable individuals to actively participate in conversations, enjoy music and engage with the sounds of daily life. This leads to a multitude of different benefits, including:

• Being able to communicate with people, even in noisy environments
• No need to ask people to repeat themselves
• Hearing speech over the phone clearly
• Being able to hear noises that were previously missing
• No longer turning up the volume on your television or radio

What Are Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids?

OTC devices are designed for individuals with self-perceived hearing loss. The most common signs of mild hearing loss include: difficulty in noisy environments, frequently asking others to repeat themselves, turning up the volume on audio devices and misunderstanding spoken words. These hearing aids can be obtained without a hearing test from an audiologist and are considered more accessible because they can be purchased in-store or online.

Yet, there are drawbacks to using OTC hearing aids. Due to their lack of customization for individuals, they may be less effective in addressing hearing loss. Additionally, without being fitted by an audiologist, you miss out on the opportunity for follow-up care and adjustments that can optimize your listening experience.

Prescription Hearing Aids

Prescription hearing aids are specialized devices designed to address specific types and degrees of hearing loss. They require evaluation and testing by an audiologist before purchase, ensuring a precise fit and optimal performance. In the United States, these devices are regulated by the FDA to meet strict safety and quality standards. They come in different styles, including behind the ear (BTE), in the ear (ITE), and in the canal (ITC), with options like completely in canal (CIC) and invisible in canal (IIC). This variety allows users to choose a design that suits their comfort and lifestyle.

The key advantage of prescription hearing aids lies in their custom-fit design. This tailored approach ensures that they effectively address individual hearing needs. Additionally, they can be fine-tuned to include features like Bluetooth, multi-settings, feedback reduction, noise cancellation, and remote controls, providing a personalized listening experience. With an audiologist in hand, you’ve got a personalized experience that will guide you in picking the perfect set or individual hearing aids for your needs and budget. Not to mention, the follow-up care you’ll get that you don’t get when it comes to OTC hearing aids.

Comparing the Differences in Your Options

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids utilize mass-produced, standardized technology, whereas prescription hearing aids employ either custom or semi-custom technology, specifically crafted for each individual. This ensures not only a personalized fit to your ear anatomy but also precise programming tailored to your unique hearing requirements.

The selection between OTC and prescription hearing aids depends on your specific lifestyle, budget and hearing loss needs and preferences. For those looking to slowly enter the world of hearing aids, you may think an OTC device is a better option for you right now. However, if you prioritize the most effective treatment available, a prescription hearing aid is the superior choice – particularly because of all the additional services your audiologist can provide, like cleanings, adjustments and repairs.

Taking the First Step

If this is your first time getting hearing aids, consider scheduling an appointment with an audiologist to have your hearing tested and talk more about your options. Here at Brentwood Hearing Center, we’re able to assess, diagnose and fit our patients with some of the best hearing aids on the market. Get in touch with us at (615) 866-0431 to learn more about which devices you could benefit from!