Over-the-counter hearing aids
Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids are devices with hearing aid features that you can buy without them being prescribed by a hearing health professional (audiologist).
OTC hearing aids could help you to hear better and communicate more confidently.
OTC hearing aids can vary in how they look. They might look like earbuds or traditional hearing aids. They could also be software downloaded for an existing audio device, giving it a hearing aid function.
Although you don’t need to see an audiologist to get OTC hearing aids, it can still be a good idea to do so.
An audiologist can look in your ears and carry out a detailed hearing test to see if there might be an underlying cause for your hearing loss. They can talk to you about the different types of OTC and prescription hearing aids available to see what could help you the most. They can also give you advice about other ways to help you with your hearing loss.
What are the differences between OTC and prescription hearing aids?
Hearing assessment
OTC hearing aids often let you test your own hearing to set the volume to the level of your hearing loss. The accuracy of these tests will likely vary between products. Some OTC hearing aids may allow you to upload the results of a previous audiogram (hearing test) to personalise the settings.
Self-hearing tests are not yet as thorough as hearing tests carried out by an audiologist and don’t include examination of the ear. This means that if there is a treatable cause for your hearing loss, this could be missed.
Prescription hearing aids are custom fitted to meet your level of hearing loss. The hearing health professional can adjust the settings to suit your needs and help you to get the most out of the hearing aids.
Level of hearing loss
OTC hearing aids are usually made for people with mild to moderate hearing loss.
There are prescription hearing aids for all levels of hearing loss, including severe and profound hearing loss. Your audiologist can advise you which hearing aid will be best for you.
Professional care and support
OTC hearing aids may come with guides or online resources, and the amount of support provided will likely vary between products. OTC hearing aids are unlikely to come with in-person support from a hearing health professional.
Prescription hearing aids come with support from a hearing health professional. A hearing health professional can carry out a full hearing test and examine your ears to find out if there’s a treatable cause for your hearing loss. If needed, they can arrange for you to be referred to see a specialist doctor.
They can also give you advice on communication tips, benefits, assistive listening devices and technology, and consider if there are any additional ways to support your everyday life.
Hearing health professionals also provide ongoing support and maintenance of hearing aids. This includes servicing, repairs, advice on using hearing aids, and adjustment of the settings as needed.
Things to look out for
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.
It is essential that you see a GP if you are experiencing any of the following, or if you have concerns about your hearing:
- Pain in your ears
- Discharge coming from your ears
- Ear infections
- Tinnitus (hearing a sound that does not have an outside source)
- Dizziness
- A difference in hearing between your ears, or feeling you can only hear out of one ear
- Feeling as though your hearing is gradually getting worse.