Cheaper hearing aids hit stores today, available over the counter for first time

Today, Americans can buy cheaper hearing aids for mild-to-moderate hearing loss without a prescription from a range of common retailers, including Walgreens, CVS, and Walmart, which will make the critical health devices more affordable and accessible to the estimated 28.6 million adults who could benefit from them.

The change could lower the average cost of hearing aids by as much as $3,000 according to the FDA. The White House said Monday that Walgreens is selling over-the-counter hearing aids that range from $2,000 to $8,000 per pair at specialty retailers for $799 per pair. Walmart said that it is selling over-the-counter hearing aids that are comparable to prescription hearing aids priced at $4,400 to $5,500 per pair.

The move has been in the works for a long time. The FDA was directed to set rules for the sale of over-the-counter devices. The rules were not ready yet. The FDA finalized the rules in August of this year after President Biden signed an executive order in July of 2021.

FDA Commissioner Robert Califf said in August that hearing loss is a critical public health issue that affects the ability of millions of Americans to effectively communicate. People with mild to moderate hearing loss will be able to have convenient access to an array of safe, effective and affordable hearing aids from their neighborhood store or online.

The barriers to hearing aids used to be high. Patients had to get a medical exam and get a prescription.

According to a Congressional investigation, the Hearing Industries Association tried to undermine the effectiveness of new over-the-counter devices. The rule still requires people to seek specialty care for hearing impairments and fitting and using devices, despite the fact that HIA now supports it.

"Hearing loss is unique to each person, and most do not know if their condition is mild, moderate, or greater, caused by another medical issue or something as simple as ear wax," Kate Carr said in an August statement The best treatment for hearing loss is to see a hearing professional, according to HIA.

Independent experts said that there's nothing wrong with consulting an expert for those who can, but that consumers could do it their way. There are online resources for people to use. The Hearing Loss Association of America gives a tip sheet on who might consider an over-the-counter hearing aid and what features to look for. There are tips for the latter that include generous return policies, a long- lasting battery, and water/sweat resistance.