
Fresh guidance has been published today (Thursday 16 January), by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) giving businesses around the world the green light to sell hearing aids over the counter.
This includes over-the-counter hearing aids with both hearing test and hearing aid software functionalities.
These products allow someone to take a hearing test at home using their earphones and an app on their phone.
If the test indicates mild to moderate hearing loss, the person can then switch on the hearing aid function on the same earphones.
Commenting on the announcement, Harriet Oppenheimer, Chief Executive of RNID, said:
“Hearing aids are life-changing and can improve physical, social, emotional and mental wellbeing. Yet, we know that there are millions of people who could benefit from hearing aids who do not currently use them. We therefore share the Government’s excitement about the potential benefits of over-the-counter hearing aids, including as a mechanism to encourage people to take action on their hearing loss. However, changes need to be introduced carefully and with the right regulatory safeguards in place.
“There are some significant risks to consider in allowing all hearing aids to be made available without the user having first received a gold-standard hearing test, a referral to an audiologist to consider any underlying health conditions, or having their hearing aids fitted by a trained professional.
“Furthermore, without these safety checks and balances in place, there is also a risk that many people may either delay seeking medical help for hearing loss, or even wrongly self-prescribe hearing aids which, if used incorrectly, could worsen hearing loss.
“In order to avoid such potential risks to people’s hearing health, we would recommend an urgent review of all the regulations covering hearing aid provision and for coherent changes to be made across the different elements.
“One area the Government needs to urgently explore is the introduction of a new category of device for specifically regulated over-the-counter hearing aids. RNID would also welcome research to more fully understand the effectiveness of these products for people with hearing loss.
“RNID is already in direct conversation with DHSC and stands ready to work in partnership with the Government to ensure the benefits of this exciting development are available to all.”
What to do next?
It’s important to check your hearing regularly and RNID have a quick and easy hearing check that you can take at home. If the results show you have signs of hearing loss, it will give you information about what to do next.
High quality hearing aids are available for free on the NHS. If you think you have hearing loss you can speak to your GP about a referral to audiology. In some areas you may be able to refer yourself.
It is essential that you see a GP or hearing health professional if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Pain in your ears
- Discharge from your ears
- Ear infections
- Tinnitus (hearing a sound that does not have an outside source)
- Dizziness
- Feeling as though your hearing is gradually getting worse
- A significant difference in hearing between your ears, or feeling you can only hear out of one ear
If you’ve suddenly lost hearing in one or both ears, contact NHS 111 or your GP urgently. You could also visit your nearest urgent treatment centre.
Find out more about hearing loss and hearing aids.
Read the new guidance from DHSC.
