{"id":1341,"date":"2022-09-16T12:58:59","date_gmt":"2022-09-16T17:58:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inspire-med.com\/?page_id=1341"},"modified":"2022-09-16T13:02:48","modified_gmt":"2022-09-16T18:02:48","slug":"over-the-counter-hearing-aids-increase-accessibility-to-treatment","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/inspire-med.com\/over-the-counter-hearing-aids-increase-accessibility-to-treatment\/","title":{"rendered":"Over-the-Counter Hearing Devices"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Increase Accessibility to Treatment<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019ve heard of over-the-counter hearing aids, then you may have also heard you don\u2019t need a prescription to purchase them. While they are convenient to buy and often cheaper than the prescription hearing aid alternative, patients will benefit from a licensed medical professional’s oversight. They can function as a self-serve option, but did you also know that the top three reasons for hearing aid abandonment<\/a> were background noise, lack of benefit and poor sound quality across ten different studies? Those are all common issues, and they can all be addressed by a hearing specialist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

An audiologist helps you select the best hearing aid for your lifestyle, program it to your environment and adjust it to your specific hearing loss. We offer OTC models in addition to prescription-only devices, but no matter what hearing device you use, help from a specialist ensures you\u2019re getting the greatest benefit from the option you choose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Are the Benefits of Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Increasing the accessibility of hearing loss treatment is one of our team\u2019s top priorities. According to one study, almost 86% of Americans 50 and older with hearing loss do not wear hearing aids<\/a>. Untreated hearing loss has been linked to isolation, cognitive difficulties and increased falls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If over-the-counter hearing aids are a good fit for you and might make treatment a reality, we\u2019ll help determine which model will serve you best. Typically, over-the-counter hearing aids benefit adults who are experiencing mild hearing loss and only need sound amplification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While these devices may work well for some, certain patients should always receive prescription hearing aids. The National Institutes of Health recommends prescription hearing aids<\/a> for people who do not hear louder sounds or struggle to hear conversations in quiet settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our audiologists will also work with the following groups for prescription hearing aid fittings:<\/p>\n\n\n\n