Hearing aids will be sold over the counter across the US.
The rule change by the FDA in August paved the way for retail stores to sell hearing devices without the need for a doctor's visit.
The move is being hailed as a win for those with hearing loss, which afflicts millions of people across the country, but experts say customers need to be cautious.
Kate Carr, president of the Hearing Industries Association, said that buyers should be educated about their needs.
Adults who think they have mild to moderate hearing impairment can use the rule.
The Hearing Loss Association of America says that it could include people who have trouble hearing in groups or on the phone and who need to turn up the TV volume louder than others.
Children and people with severe hearing impairment should not use over-the-counter hearing devices.
There is no requirement to get a medical exam, get a prescription or get fitted for a device under the new rules.
People can still get hearing aids by seeing a doctor first, and experts say there are advantages to this option, such as being professionally fitted for a hearing aid based on your individual needs.
If the new rules lead to more people buying hearing aids, that's a positive thing.
People with hearing loss often wait up to seven years before getting a hearing aid.
"If this would inspire people or motivate them because they see these hearing aids in the mainstream, that should be more affordable or at a different price point, they might take that first step sooner rather than later," she said.
The device only accounted for a third of the cost of a hearing aid in the past. Medicare and health insurance usually doesn't cover the cost of hearing aids, and the rest of the price went toward doctors' appointments.
People with hearing loss can expect a decline in what they can expect to pay for hearing aids.
According to the White House, people could save more than $2,500 when they buy over-the-counter products.
People who buy hearing aids over the counter will miss out on the advice of medical professionals, according to Carr with the HIA.
The HIA was one of the organizations that tried to undermine the effectiveness of OTC hearing aids. The FDA's new rule is supported by the HIA.
Soon, sales are set to start. The pharmacy chain Walgreens plans to sell Lexie Lumen hearing aids for $799. Walmart plans to sell hearing aids in stores and online.
Existing hearing aids as well as new products will be available to purchase in stores and online.
Customers are urged to do their homework. The websites of companies may have more information.
If the seller has a return policy, they must include it on the box. Hearing aids can take up to four weeks to adjust.
The association suggests that people consider the battery life of the hearing aid, as well as the use of a mobile device to operate it.
Hearing aids and personal sound amplification products, or PSAPs, which are currently sold over the counter and intended for people with normal hearing who want to amplify sounds, such as hunters, should not be confused with hearing aids.
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