Ask an audiologist: How do I choose OTC hearing aids?

Many people start to notice hearing problems as they get older. And wearing hearing aids could make a big difference. Whether you’re new to the world of hearing aids or you’ve been wearing these devices for a while now, it’s normal to have some questions. In this new series, an expert audiologist at EPIC Hearing gives real-world answers to common concerns.

Question

I’m interested in trying over-the-counter hearing aids. How can I choose the right type when I buy them online?

Answer

Over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids could be a good option if you have perceived mild-to-moderate hearing loss. You don’t need a prescription, and you don’t need to get a hearing test either. Plus, it’s convenient to order OTC hearing aids online and get them delivered to your home.

I recommend that you explore OTC hearing aids on our website. This is a great place to start. You can learn about the different types, styles and support available.

There are two main types of OTC hearing aids:

• Situational use devices are good for someone who just wants to boost hearing in certain noisy situations, like a meeting or a dinner out. Most of these are earbud-style devices. You can pop them in quickly when you need them, then take them out again. They often come with preloaded settings.
   
• All-day wear devices are for people who want to hear better throughout the day, in both quiet and noisy situations. You put them in and can wear them for 14 hours or more. These devices sit behind the ear like a traditional hearing aid, which makes them comfortable to wear all day. They can give you better quality sound, and you are able to customize the settings.

Setting up: You set up both types of OTC devices yourself, typically with an app on your smartphone. The situational devices don’t come with any sort of remote support. But the all-day wear devices do.

We even have telehealth available with some of the all-day hearing aids. You can meet virtually with a hearing specialist to get help setting up your hearing aids or troubleshooting them. When you choose the all-day wear devices, you also get app technologies that are a little bit more sophisticated. 

Help keep your hearing healthy

EPIC Hearing Healthcare helps members access hearing exams, hearing aids and more. Sign in to learn more and check eligibility.

Get started

Comfort: Sometimes the choice between situational use and all-day use OTC devices is a matter of comfort. You may think you’re only a situational user, yet you don’t really love the feeling of having that earbud-style device in your ear. That’s another thing to consider. It’s a reason some people think about switching from a situational use device to an all-day one.

What to watch out for: I often say that not all OTC hearing aids are created equal. There are $99 OTC hearing aids out there that are not good quality, so I want to make sure people really do their research. You can feel confident that the OTC devices on our site are reviewed and recommended by EPIC Hearing experts. One last thing: Be sure you understand what the return policy is before you buy.

(You can take a preliminary online hearing assessment. While it may not give you official results, it may help you decide whether to get a comprehensive test.)

Meet the expert
Monica Murray, Au.D., is senior director of program development at EPIC Hearing and a nationally recognized hearing health expert.

Information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a licensed medical provider. Consult your provider prior to making changes to your lifestyle or health care routine.