Facts you should know about OTC’s – Over The Counter Hearing Aids
Hearing Health Center now sells over the counter hearing aids. See them in our online store >>>
Who can they help? The good news!
Like eyeglasses from the drugstore, OTC’s can help some people. OTC’s are designed for mild/moderate hearing loss at a “reasonable” price. You can walk into a retail establishment or drugstore and purchase them without a hearing exam or seeking help from a hearing professional. For those that have been in denial about their hearing (“it’s not that bad”) or are concerned about vanity (“I don’t want to look old”), OTC’s can be an easy, commitment free way to see if amplification works.
Who can they hurt? The Bad news!
Bypassing a professional examination and advice can be risky. Serious medical issues, such as infections, bone deterioration, tumors, and even excessive ear wax, will not be detected. Tinnitus (ringing in your ears), and balance problems won’t be addressed. You will get a “one size fits all” ready-to-wear hearing aid. It is not programmed, adjusted, or fine-tuned for your personal needs and brain’s processing ability. Hearing Health Center offers free hearing ability tests at all five of our locations. Book an Appointment Now >> Want to stay up-to-date on OTC Hearing Aids? Sign-up for the Hearing Health OTC Bulletin.
It’s all about your brain
Untreated, and improperly treated hearing loss is a major contributing factor to cognitive decline and dementia. Even a small decrease in hearing ability increases the risk for Alzheimer’s. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the number one factor you can control to prevent and delay dementia is treating your hearing.
OTC’s are not invisible
If you don’t want anyone to know you’re wearing hearing aids, OTC’s are not for you. The best completely invisible hearing aids are either custom fit for your ear canals, or require insertion by a professional (see Lyric 24/7 hearing aids, worn for months at a time).
Hearing care is not a one-time transaction
No one can predict whether your hearing ability will remain the same or get worse. If you have the type of hearing loss that is not medically or surgically correctable, it will never get better. All hearing aids require maintenance and service for optimum performance. Your hearing ability needs to be monitored for changes and adjustments to your prescription.
A professional relationship
Your doctor monitors your overall health. Your dentist and eye doctor keep a close eye on your teeth, gums, and eyesight. Your hearing ability affects your brain, your heart, and your balance. A professional relationship with a doctor of audiology is imperative to maintaining your brain and physical health.
If you try OTC’s
Go ahead. Give OTC’s a try. If they work for you, great! You’re on your journey to better communication with the important people in your life, and reconnecting with the things you love to do.
We’re herE for you
Whatever you choose, we’re here to help you. Hearing Health Center was voted the number one, most trusted audiology practice in the Midwest. We’ve been serving the community for 38 years. >> Consider booking a free hearing ability test at one of the five Hearing Health Center locations, or check out over the counter hearing aids in our online store.
