What Otolaryngologists Need to Know About Working with Patients as Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Become Available

Anxiety about cost may cause some people to resist a physical exam and audiological evaluation. Although coverage varies, it may be helpful to remind patients that hearing tests and otologic evaluations are typically covered by insurance. You can also point people to any low-cost options available in your community. 

Read the label. Make sure your patients understand that OTC hearing aids cannot (and are not intended to) treat all hearing loss. OTC hearing aids are expected to have clear labeling that outlines red flag warnings—symptoms or conditions that warrant a prompt call to a physician. People should carefully read the label of OTC hearing aids before purchasing them. Anyone who has unilateral hearing loss, pain, ear drainage, or vertigo should see a physician for proper evaluation and treatment. 

OTC hearing aids are one of many options. Many people don’t understand the spectrum of available hearing technology. Otolaryngologists should educate their patients about the different types of hearing aids and other available hearing treatments, including cochlear implants. 

“Patients need to know that an OTC hearing aid isn’t customizable to their hearing loss,” Dr. Grisel said. An OTC hearing aid can increase the volume of sounds for users but cannot amplify certain frequencies or tune out background noise, for instance. 

“Hearing aids need to be fit for the environment in which they function,” Dr. Backous added. A 75-year-old in poor physical health who spends most of his time at home has significantly different hearing needs than an active 75-year-old who serves on a board of directors and regularly engages in outdoor sports. 

Hearing needs change throughout life. The general population needs to understand that just as a person’s vision changes throughout life, so does human hearing. The first pair of glasses a person buys is almost never their last; as time goes on, they require stronger glasses and may need to switch to multifocal lenses. An OTC hearing aid may work well for a few years, but people should expect that they will likely need to upgrade their hearing technology every few years. 

“For the vast majority of people, their hearing journey will be an appropriately programmed hearing aid for five to seven years and then a technology update. But some individuals will experience a decline in speech discrimination in one or both ears and no longer perceive hearing benefit with conventional hearing aid technology,” Dr. Toh said. “We can help those people with other advanced hearing technologies or surgical solutions.”