Reporting by Gregory Delfino
Photo by Joe Raedle / Getty Images
Americans may soon be able to buy over-the-counter hearing aids without an exam or fitting by a hearing health care professional. That may seem like good news for the 3.75 million adults who suffer some form of hearing loss. However, there are sound reasons (no pun intended) to think twice before going online or heading to a store for better hearing.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), introduced the bipartisan OTC Hearing Aid Act they felt would make hearing aids “more accessible and affordable for the consumer.” The act was signed into law in 2017. In 2021, the Food and Drug Administration issued a proposal establishing a new category: OTC hearing aids for people “over 18 with mild to moderate hearing loss.” They may be available in the fall.
My colleagues and I are aware this legislation is well-intended. However, as a doctor of audiology for more than 30 years...
Read the original article on The Morning Call here.
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