Millions of Americans will be able to buy hearing aids over the counter, without a prescription, starting Monday.
Prior to the new Food and Drug Administration rules taking effect, hearing aids cost $4,000 to $5,000, on average.
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A purchase of a hearing aid also required a trip to a licensed audiologist. Now, consumers will be able to pick hearing aids up at retailers, like Best Buy.
“I know OTC hearing aids are on the market, are they right for me? How’s my hearing? What should I do? There’s no reason why someone wouldn’t still see a doctor, but from there then you’re not constrained by having to pay several thousand dollars for prescription hearing aids, you can just get over the counter, which may be all you need,” said Dr. Frank Lin, of the Johns Hopkins Cochlear Center.
Medical experts say untreated hearing loss can increase the risks of social isolation and depression in the elderly.
Some studies even suggest that poor hearing can contribute to falls.
Until now, only about 1/5 of Americans over 70 are able to comfortably afford them.
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